The ‘Butterfly’ stiltwalkers were a great hit. Photo: Michael Jeans
The Cambridge Autumn Festival Carnival Day returned with a bang last Sunday 21, with David McCathie, chairman of the Cambridge Autumn Festival, declaring it to be the “busiest we have ever had”.
A record 60 art market stalls in Victoria and Empire streets enabled people to watch artists at work; another success came from the first-time closure of Empire Street, turning it into a pedestrian-only zone for the day.
“That worked out really well. It definitely added to the success of the day. We thank all the local performers, and the local businesses for their co-operation and logistical support, both before and on the day,” said David. “We are also grateful to Maadi Cup for their parade in the main street – it was the icing on the cake for us.”
Guests at the official Autumn Festival Gala Opening Night, held days earlier at Te Awa Lifecare Village’s Arnold Cottage, heard that this year’s festival programme featured a couple of new events. Also revealed were the names of winners and runners-up in the festival’s Short Story Competition, sponsored by Cooney Insurance in association with the Maurice Trapp Group, and the Photo Competition, sponsored by People in Mind Ltd.
Cooney Insurance’s David Cooney said 211 entries were received for the 2021 Short Story Competition, organised with the theme ‘Lockdown’. The competition has grown in the 10 years it has been in place, from 52 entries in the first year to its peak at 285 last year. There were 18 Cambridge entries this year. The judges were Venetia Sherson, Denise Irvine, Hamish Wright and Jill Carter.
First place went to Trish Veltman of Paraparaumu with her story entitled ‘First, Joseph’. Second was Mary Elsmore-Neilson of Waiheke Island, third was Christchurch’s Holly Jamieson, and Lewanna Pentecost was awarded a ‘highly commended’.
The Photo Competition had the theme ‘Victoria Street’. Winner Derek Teague, who took first place with his photo ‘Faith in Reflection’, also won the competition last year. Inspired by rainy night reflections, he shot the winning photo after throwing water from a bucket to create a wet, reflective surface. He was out of town for the gala evening.
A highly commended placing went to Waipā resident, Sophie Simonucci, for her image of Victoria Bridge. Sophie and her family attended the gala opening.
