Mountain Mardi Gras

I lucked out when a free weekend spent in Ohakune coincided with the Ruapehu Mountain Mardi Gras.

This small town’s population of about 1500 explodes as this street party gets bigger and better each year. After a day's attempt to snowboard on the packed Turoa slopes we slung a few drinks back, braved the cold and headed off.

The Junction had been blocked off especially for the night. Food and beverage stalls lined the street and the carnie ride Kamikaze set the mood. Around 10,000 people were there and most partied it up at the main stage where up and coming band Kingston mixed it up with a bit of old school and their hit single “Round We Go”.

MCs Flynny and Mark from ZM who also sponsored the event offered humorous entertainment in-between performances and awarded best costume awards for the many that had made the effort to dress up. Midnight Youth who had just finished their nationwide tour were up last.

We finished the night off yelling our lungs out and dancing to “All On Our Own”. The atmosphere was buzzing throughout the night- questions were raised as to whether a Mexican’s moustache was real, sticks were found and used to sneakily poke others and Pink Batt Bunnies were continuously stopped for impromptu hugs.

A big night for a little town, it is sure to be a party night staple on the New Zealand calendar.

Sierra de la Croix, July 2009

Photos Courtesy of ZM