Selected as one of the three official charities for this year's Queenstown Winter Festival, the Remarkables Parents Association (RPA) will be selling a wide range of novelty products on opening night this Friday, as well as during Family Fun Day (June 23), and at Mardi Gras on the final Sunday (July 1).
Festival director Simon Green thought selling the beads would be a good way to raise money, because they are a tradition at many festivals and parades around the world.
"As well as adding colour to the Mardi Gras, it's a great way to socialise and meet new people. Buy a few strings of different colours and take the opportunity to share them and swap them with others," Mr Green suggested.
RPA chairwoman Tracey Pedersen said the association and school community were grateful for being selected as an official charity and excited about the festival.
"We are thrilled to be involved and look forward to the community's support.
"We hope to see glow products and beads everywhere throughout the festival, and are grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such an iconic Queenstown event," she said.
The Bead Shop had worked closely with the association to source genuine Mardi Gras beads, and in addition to the beads, food, including sausages and chocolate brownies, would be sold.
The pupils from Remarkables Primary School would also feature in a float during the Winter Festival street parade.
All funds raised by the association in 2012 would be used to buy cultural and outdoor education resources for the pupils of Remarkables Primary School.
- John McKenzie.
