Fine day proves attractive to crowds

Bethlehem's Greg and Cheryl Todd with children Ashley and Travis soak up the atmosphere at Te Puna's Quarry Fest. Photo / George Novak

People turned out in record numbers to enjoy the best ever Te Puna Quarry Fest, with hundreds of families lapping up the fine weather and great atmosphere.

At least 3000 people came and went during yesterday's festival held to raise money to fund the quarry which has been transformed into a huge botanical park.

Bethlehem-Te Puna Lions' Quarry Fest chairman Ian Calvert estimated the crowd would have been up by a third on previous years.

The popularity of the event which has run for about 17 years was matched by a record turnout of stallholders, with 70 selling a huge variety of wares.

Typical of the festival's strong family focus was Greg and Cheryl Todd who made it three years in a row that they have attended with their children Ashley, 8, and Travis, 6.

"It is a nice atmosphere, relaxed and friendly," Mrs Todd said.

Mr Todd said they wandered around looking at the stalls and then sat down with food to listen to the music. "We always come away with something. It's a nice morning out."

The family also took the opportunity to have a look around the park.

Forty volunteers from the Lions Club ensured the smooth running of the festival, including traffic control and manning the entrance.