Thousands jam streets for marathon event
A street party designed to keep half-marathon crowds in Kerikeri proved almost too successful with an estimated 4000 people packing the town's main street.
Around 2500 people took part in Saturday's Fullers GreatSights half-marathon - the 20th anniversary of the 21.1km run from Okaihau to the Kerikeri Domain - but that number was dwarfed by the turnout for the after-party.
The town's main street was closed between Homestead Rd and Fairway Drive for the 5-9pm event.
Two packed-out al fresco bars kept the Northland wine flowing while 20 food stalls offered everything from freshly shucked Paroa Bay oysters to waffles and hugely popular Fijian curry rotis.
Many stalls were overwhelmed by the crowds and ran out of food early, so the town's restaurants and takeaway bars also did a roaring trade.
Two bands played while a magician and face painting kept children amused.
Most shops kept their doors open during the event with every customer going into an 8.30pm prize draw. The party was the brainchild of the Kerikeri Events Committee and driven by the owners of five B&Bs.
Treghan Cottage owner Wendy Waldegrave said the event exceeded all expectations.
"A lot of businesses have been hurting and doors were closing. We thought if there was any way to get people to spend their money in Kerikeri, we'd try it."
Mrs Waldegrave said she wanted to see the party back again next year, with some tweaking.
She was keen to have more food stalls and a temporary liquor licence for the whole street so drinkers would not be confined to roped-off areas.
Kerikeri and Waipapa businesses had all chipped in to pay for the inaugural event, but she hoped to get a sponsor on board next year.
Chris Shipley, of Kerikeri's 88 Lodge, guessed the crowd numbered at least 3500.
The idea was to show off the town, generate extra trade and give half-marathon runners a reason to stay an extra night instead of heading home on Saturday afternoon.
The Kerikeri farmers' market was also extended, and bustling, on Sunday morning.
"People are saying they loved the community spirit," Mr Shipley said.
Ironically several food stalls had pulled out at the last minute, believing the party would be a fizzer.
