Sat 18 Aug 2012 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Mandy and Sally Whitewoods A week out from the start of Gay Ski Week, the wife-and-wife team behind it say all indicators are pointing to an outstanding event. Sally and Mandy Whitewoods have brought the popular Queenstown winter pride event back after the previous organisers ran into financial troubles. “We've got people coming from all over the world to attend this year's event and with ticket sales going strong we know it will be a cracker of a week,” Sally Whitewoods says ahead of next Saturday's opening party. "The event programme is out there and has been very well received - people are genuinely excited about coming to our little piece of paradise and enjoying all we've organised for them and everything that Queenstown has to offer." Whitewoods says the Gay Ski Week programme is designed to cater for all, with something for everyone to enjoy and take part in. "Skiing and boarding is easily accessible for people who enjoy a play in the snow, but for those who don't, there's so much else they can do while they're here. "We've organised a fantastic winery day tour and of course there's Adrenalin Day on Tuesday 28th when Mr Gay World Andreas Derleth will take part and harness up for an NZONE skydive." The ‘Wine Down Central Otago Winery Tour' is on Monday 27 August, visiting 11 of the region's most highly regarded vineyards including Akarua, Northburn, Gibbston Valley, Valli Wines and Mondillo. The tour is followed by the 'Wine Down Consumer Evening' where renowned winemakers Christopher Keys of Gibbston Valley Wines and Grant Taylor of Valli Wines will host master classes. Other evening entertainment includes viewing of cult movie classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Arrowtown's Dorothy Browns Cinema at which fancy dress is compulsory. Guests can choose to be shaken or stirred at the Casino Royale Gala Evening at Skyline, while Miss Ribena will make an appearance at the free Karaoke night on Thursday August 30th at SkyCity, which will be followed up with the Friday Frolics Party at Dux de Lux. Gay Ski Week will close with a ‘fluoro' themed Mystery Dance Party at Queenstown's World Bar, featuring DJ Haylenise from Melbourne. Whitewoods is encouraging Queenstown locals to get involved with the spirit of the week and says everyone is welcome at Gay Ski Week events. "Straight, gay, lesbian – regardless, this is a week for the whole community to enjoy," she says. "Let's all dig out the glitter and sequins, glam it up and show the rest of New Zealand, and the world, how to party!" More details about the programme, events and accommodation options are available at www.gayskiweekqt.com.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 18th August 2012 - 2:44pm