 
Te Aroha News
19 March 2009
Te Aroha Domain Comes Alive
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| BATTLE: Major Blunder of Alf's Imperial Army stands his ground against committee members Tina Brown, left, Toby Robinson, Mary Hansen, Mary Conning and Carol Barker. |
The wait is almost over for an event filled weekend in Te Aroha.
Te Aroha Mountain Biking Club is hosting its inaugural Mt Te Aroha Goat Challenge on Saturday and the Day in the Domain committee will host the annual A Day in the Domain on Sunday.
The Mt Te Aroha Goat Challenge will get under way at 9.30am with a kiddies race in the Te Aroha Domain.
"The aim of this race is to get both children and adults involved," club president Alan Turner said.
The challenge will give people the opportunity to see the benefits of a track.
"When we had our first meeting we threw some ideas around about what to call the event," Mr Turner said.
"Someone mentioned the Mt Te Aroha Goat Challenge and the name has just stuck."
He said some of the tracks be used would have had goats on them at one time or another.
The challenge will start on Mt Te Aroha Mountian Biking Track sweeping through the domain.
"The challenge is to see how many laps people can do in three hours. People can either ride solo or in three rider teams."
Sunday will feature Te Aroha's annual A Day in the Domain "which has a little something extra for people this year," committee spokeperson Michele Laurie said.
The 5th Waikato Dragoons of Alf's Imperial Army will lay claim to the historic croquet lawn at 1.30pm.
Previously run by the Piako Community Arts Council, A Day in the Domain has been taken over by a new committee who want to make the event bigger and better.
"We are looking to have entertainment including a teddy bears' picnic and acoustic guitarist Steve Hancock," Mrs Laurie said.
She said Alf's Imperial Army, lead by Major Blunder a.k.a Ralph Evans, from Hamilton will challenge the people of Te Aroha.
"We are looking to mount a resistance and defend this hallowed piece of turf (the croquet lawn). with the public welcome to join in on either side," Mrs Laurie said. "We would like an even sort of stoush. Weapons, consisting of newspaper swords and flour bombs, will be drawn and flour will be spilt."
Mr Evans said anyone interested should come and check out the battle on the day.
"We are looking at opening a contingent here in Te Aroha, so if there is anyone who think they are up to the challenge then they should come forward."
Food and drink will be available or people may opt to picnic to keep in with the event's theme - family craft and picnic day.
"We want something people can bring their families to," committee president Mary Hansen said.
Competitions such as a colouring competition for primary-school aged children and a best decorated hat competition will also be on offer.
"There will be many things for people to enjoy. If anyone wants any information about the day they can contact the Te Aroha I-site Centre," Ms Hansen said.
The Day in the Domain will get under way at 10am.
By Letitia Atkinson @ Piako Post
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