The Vincent Community Board discussed applications for the Alexandra and Earnscleugh-Manuherikia contestable promotions funds and decided to support five organisations, distributing a total of more than $58,000. It gave $6592 to the Clyde on Sunday group for banners, flags, posters and leaflets to promote Clyde and events, and promotional material and advertising for the new Cuisine at Clyde event planned for Labour Weekend.
Group member David Ritchie said the event would celebrate the wealth of produce available in the region. The programme for the three or four-day event would include cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a market day based on local foods and special evening events where local foods were matched with local wines.
The group's promotional activities complemented those of the Promote Dunstan group, he said.
''We haven't seen any significant conflicts in what we're doing; we have a slightly different focus but our objective is the same.''
Promote Dunstan was successful in gaining a $4120 grant towards a publishing a booklet exploring the social history of Clyde and the Dunstan. It would expand and update an earlier book on the topic and would be completed within a year, group secretary Louise Joyce said.
''It'll be a worthy addition to the library of Central Otago.''
The Alexandra Entranceway Group received $14,000 to install three stencil-style ''rusted plate steel'' Alexandra entrance signs at the northern, southern and western entrances to the town. They would be reminiscent of the dredging pipes used for gold mining in the area so were in keeping with its historic character, group member Peter Hishon said.
''We looked at this grant as providing something that is an enhancement to the town and it's a one-off - we won't be here every year seeking funds,'' Mr Hishon said.
The signs would be lit at night by solar-powered lights.
Promote Alexandra sought $34,000 for seven different projects, along with advertising and promotional material, and was granted $30,000. Group manager Martin McPherson, who is also a Vincent board member, declared an interest and left the room when the board discussed the promotions funding.
Mr McPherson outlined the group's programme for the coming year, which included successful events such as the Sparks in the Park fireworks display, the Big Bang Bike Weekend in November for mountain bike and BMX enthusiasts, and the Love Summer Love Alex holiday activities, including the Miss Alexandra Swimsuit Contest.
The Central Otago District Arts Trust has rebranded its new art awards, held for the first time last year, as the Arts Gold Awards and sought $5000. It was given $4024. Co-ordinator Maxine Williams said the exhibition of entries in the first awards, held in Alexandra, attracted 10,000 visitors over six weeks.
