Kelly Scarrow said moving the Bayleys Main Stage down onto Victoria Avenue turned out to be "absolutely fantastic". Photo / Kelly Scarrow
Kelly Scarrow said moving the Bayleys Main Stage down onto Victoria Avenue turned out to be "absolutely fantastic". Photo / Kelly Scarrow
The 2021 Mainstreet Caboodle hit Whanganui's CBD on Saturday with a full 14 hours of free entertainment for the whole community.
The Bayleys Main Stage moved to the top block of Victoria Ave this year, and another, the Ray White Rutland Stage, was erected on Ridgway St. That was toppedoff by events at Majestic Square, meaning there was something to grab your attention all over the centre of town throughout the day and evening.
Caboodle organiser, Mainstreet Whanganui's Kelly Scarrow, said she was "tired, but very happy" on Sunday morning.
"It was everything that I was hoping for, and more", Scarrow said.
"I was blown away by the level of participation from our community, but also by the amount of out-of-towners that came along as well."
Hula Beatz Fitness, led by Cece AnYani (left), perform on Saturday afternoon as part of the Mainstreet Caboodle. Photo / Lewis Gardner
The moving of the Main Stage to the bridge block of Victoria Ave meant there were three areas for people to have different experiences at, Scarrow said.
"Moving that stage turned out to be absolutely fantastic.
"All the retailers down there did exceptionally well and put on a fantastic place for our community to have a drink and a bite to eat.
"Everyone loved a bit of a change, and it worked really well.
Peter and Lee Bedborough soak up the atmosphere at Majestic Square on Saturday. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"I need to say thank you to our community as well. They are local champions, and their continued support is a huge thing for us.
Crowds filled Victoria Avenue for the 2021 Mainstreet Caboodle. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Scarrow said she would be spending her Sunday "parked up" at the Riverside Shindig.
Rose Jackson, the organiser of the Carnival of Costume at Majestic Square, said more than 50 people had entered the fashion competition on Saturday.
"The 'Bright Young Things' was really fun, and we had a lot of interest in the 'Vintage Classic', Jackson said.
"The woman who won that was wearing all original 1950s and 1960s clothing, including some accessories from her mother.
"We did a new category this year called 'Trash to Vintage Fashion', and involved working with the council's waste management scheme that keeps things out of land fills.
"We only had one entrant unfortunately, but we'll be doing it again next year so I'd definitely encourage everyone to take part in it.
