Plenty on for Caboodle

EVENTS: A representation of some of this weekend's featured activities in Whanganui over Anniversary Weekend. PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS

Saturday of Wellington Anniversary Weekend in Whanganui - otherwise known as Vintage Weekend - is traditionally Caboodle day, and there's a lot going on, including events to raise funds for various charities and community organisations.
To illustrate the occasion, Mainstreet's Kelly Scarrow, Caboodle co-ordinator, organised a representation of activities for a Midweek photo. Among an array of classic motorcycles were members of the Wanganui Classic Motorcycle Club, people from Jigsaw, Women's Network, City Mission, chefs, Steampunk, Art Deco, Mainstreet, musicians, a busker and others associated with the event.
"There will be charity motorbike rides to benefit Women's Network," says Kelly. "We have partnered up with Jigsaw and the Playcentre Association and they will be helping to facilitate the Family Zone area."
Three restaurants - Mint Café and Bar, The Big Orange and La Quattro Mexican Grill - are participating in an event called the Food Hop and offering a course each.
"They will be benefiting city mission."
In the Food Hop ticket holders are urged to amble their way around the three restaurants in the vintage styled Food Hop dinner. Everyone is to assemble at Majestic Square at 5pm and the Hop is World War I themed, with prizes for best dressed.
Tickets are $95.
Among the attractions is a young busker called AJ, who will be playing his digital piano in the street on the day. He has been learning for a few years and is going public for the Caboodle. AJ sings as well. He will be one of a small army of buskers keeping festival goers entertained.
The first motorcycle to arrive for the photo was a 1960 single cylinder 350cc AJS, closely followed by an array of international marques, with an emphasis on aged British machines.
With everyone gathered at Majestic Square for the picture, Kelly explained, "This is a really good reflection of what's happening for Caboodle 2017. Different organisations and events are represented here, showcasing what's on offer.
"There are lots of new events in Caboodle this year, like the Family Zone, which is primarily a free zone where families can bring their children and enjoy activities, and there will be a range of organisations represented there. That will be in Block 2, between the Watt Fountain and Majestic Square. Food vendors will also be on site to provide a variety of delicious food within the zone."
The area will be car free, with road blocks on Victoria Ave between Ridgway and Ingestre streets.
"We'll have Wheels on Victoria in Blocks 3 and 4 with vintage cars on display, and we've got the flea market happening in the old Eides Sports shop and shops on either side."
A popular feature is the charity motorbike ride in Maria Pl outside the ANZ Bank car park.
Lloyd Williams is president and captain of Wanganui Classic Motorcycle Club which is offering pillion places for those wanting to relive their motorcycling youth, or who just want to experience a ride on a classic machine.
"We'll turn up at midday on Saturday and Carla Donson [of the Women's Network] and her gang will be collecting donations," says Lloyd. "We usually get 10 or 12 bikes taking part. Once people have made a donation they come and see us and we take them for a ride."
The club has been offering the rides at the Caboodle for four years now, nominating a different charity each time.
"We take people around the Cemetery Circuit in the reverse direction," says Lloyd. Club members are happy to take people of any age and they are equipped with a range of helmets in various sizes.
"We have had quite a few women in their 70s and 80s who have never been on a bike," says Lloyd.
"Sounds like a nice, safe way for them to experience it," says Carla.
Lloyd says they would like people to wear sturdy footwear and sensible clothing if they want a ride.
Among other things there will be live music performed on two stages (Majestic Square and Watt Fountain) starting at midday and going late.
A glimpse of 'Steampunk fashion' will be at Majestic Square from 2pm and Teapot Racing will be on show periodically through the afternoon at the same location.
More information about Heritage Weekend is inside this issue of Midweek and available on line.