The 'Growers Games' consisted of three different events. Photo / Bevan Conley
The 'Growers Games' consisted of three different events. Photo / Bevan Conley
Around 3000 people flocked to Ruapehu for the Fresh Direct Ohakune Carrot Carnival.
Organiser Emma Benefield said she was "throwing around the idea" that 1000 people might attend but over 3000 festival-goers came along on Saturday.
"I was happily overwhelmed with the turnout, it absolutely exceeded my expectations," Benefield said.
The main drawcard on the day was the Growers Games where four local businesses competed against four local growers in three different events - the stack and wrap, the sort it out, and tie it down.
The "extremely fit" Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO) eventually came out on top, Benefield said.
"The funny thing was they only decided to do it on the day, they didn't plan it at all.
"They were just there with their families. They saw us setting up, had a conversation with us about what it was all about, then took it out," Benefield said.
Emma Benefield (centre) with carnival crew members (from left) Kate Jones, Jayde Lowe, Rachael Gilberd, Danielle Robinson and Carrie Donaldson. Photo / Supplied
Aside from the growers games, Benefield said there was a carrot cake competition, live samba music, a kapa haka performance and free children's entertainment.
"We had a sprout and spoon race for the kids, with three age group categories.
"There were 38 different stalls as well, with food and clothing and things.
"After everything had finished we put on an after-party for the adults. There was a carrot juice margarita, which was delicious, and a roasted beetroot juice gin spritzer."
Benefield said it was the biggest carrot festival Ohakune had seen.
"Plans are already in the works to make next year even bigger.
"We had lots of good feedback throughout the day, so watch out for next year."
