Julie’s Column 3 Aug

EVENTO’S standing as an artistic performance occasion has surely been cemented by this year’s show, at our magnificent Manfeild Stadium last Saturday night (July 27).

Feilding High School’s wearable art competition holds comfortable status an iconic event, but the 21st coming of age celebration was truly special and I’m sure every one of the 1500 attendees would have been hugely impressed by the quality of the show.

Evento really is something to behold. The music, dance, performance and wearable art combine into an extravaganza that overwhelms the audience with its richness.

Even so, Saturday was extra special. An incredible opening sequence where Feilding High School pupils told the story of Okatia, the spirit who carved out the Manawatu Gorge, set the scene for a stunning 120 minutes of sound, light and amazing costumes.

As always, the show runs with four categories – this year these being ‘21’, ‘Asian-inspired’, ‘everyday superhero’ and ‘green’ – and the hugely innovative and imaginative approach by the participants was breath-taking.

The supreme winner of the night, for her green category entry Arte Della Natura, was a familiar face; Feilding High School year 12 student Kaitlyn Johnston also claimed the top title last year.

Her costume was typical of what is presented; it won plaudit for an incredible attention to detail and no small amount of hand-stitching, plus the sheer artistic value and massive ‘wow’ factor. But, then, the common thread – as it were – with all Evento presentations is that every one of them reflects an incredible amount of effort. The time that the students put into this occasion is just incredible and it’s not just what you see on the stage – the whole show runs on student involvement and enthusiasm.

Kaitlyn also won the student choice award and her prize included a Bernina sewing machine. She also won one last year so this time the prize went to her grandmother.

Jenny Gatehouse, from Awatapu College, won the Westpac design scholarship of $1500 for her green category design Viridescent. Molly Ratana, from St Peter’s College, Palmerston North, took the year nine award and the recycling award for her Doll Hunter design.

Taihape Area School’s Cheyanne Hurinui won the performance award for the everyday superhero category and Waiopehu College’s Miah Marsters-Sasa won the ‘21’ category with her musically-inspired design The Fragmented Orchestra.

My personal congratulations to all participants. Take a bow everyone!

This weekend at Manfeild is another big one, with the Palmerston North Hot Rod Club’s annual Swap Meet and Hot Rod Display in the stadium on Saturday, with an 8am start.

Sunday sees the automotive interest shift to Manfeild circuit, with round three of the Manawatu Car Club’s Feilding Auto Electrical Winter Race Series.

It’s $10 entry to the swap meet (cash only, no EFTPOS, foot traffic via South St, vehicles via Kawakawa Rd), though kids under 15 are free, and admission to the winter series, with entry only through Rata St on Saturday test day, but by all usual entrances on race day.

Don’t forget to call me on 027 6599 666 if you have any thoughts about Manfeild. Also, to keep up with the latest news, check out the Manfeild website, www.manfeild.co.nz, and our Facebook page.