Organisers of Wellington's 19th Gay and Lesbian Fair are hailing it as "the largest queer event held in Wellington for many years." Jeff Montgomery of the Gay Association of Professionals, which organised this year's Fair, says 85 stalls and 18 performances contributed to the fair being particularly successful. GAP says the crowd participation events were a first for the fair. "The handbag hurling and the dog show were highlights of the day." The organisers admit to being worried that they wouldn't have any entries for those events "but on the day we had over 30 dogs and almost as many handbag hurlers." The fair itself is non-profit, says Montgomery, "but we organise it so that community groups like Gay Switchboard, Insideout and Lesbian Line can raise funds." He says it is also an opportunity for groups to spread their message "and for our community to gather away from the usual venues. It was great to see so many gay and lesbian families this year." Sponsors of the Fair included UP! newspaper, Eucanuba, Iko Iko, GayNZ.com, GAP, Charlotte Hird Design and the Wellington City Council. Montgomery says he was particularly impressed with the commitment of shows MC Pollyfilla “who worked tremendously hard all day... in heels!"