Children, parents and grandchildren — and a few dogs — enjoyed the traditional event which dates back further than anyone could remember.
For a gold coin donation entry there were old-fashioned games and sporting competitions along with a slippery slide run by the Naseby Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Like everything else at the event the slippery slide was as simple as could be with a tarpaulin draped down a bank liberally doused in dishwashing liquid and water from the brigade’s tanker. There not have been a single electronic beep but there was shouts of laughter and whoops of joy as seemingly endless lines of children slide down the bank.
Volunteer Anne Watkins, of Dunedin, said she and her family had supplied and manned the magnetic fishing pool for more than 20 years.
A ding-a-ling game, which tested the steadiness of players’ hands and loudly rang a bell when they touched the wire as they guided a loop along it, entertained all generations. The game was made by John Smith 26 years ago and was popular every time it was produced, organisers said.
Gumboot throwing drew big crowds to both compete and watch. Spectators had to have their wits about them as there were a few errant boots heading in directions other than down the field.
This year’s team event was a scavenger hunt with ingenious clues. Filling a sack with hay from the needle in the haystack may have contributed to the cleanup and bringing back a grandparent saw one team return complete with this reporter in tow.
Ice cream, coffee and a barbecue helped keep energy levels high while a chocolate wheel and raffles gave everyone another chance to win.
