The new Queen of Vinegar Hill is honoured by her selection and says she welcomes the chance to give something back to the annual glbt summer holiday gathering. Aucklander Toni Farrow has holidayed at the Manawatu riverside camping spot for the last seven years and says she feels “honoured and excited by the challenge of being only the second lesbian in 27-years to receive the title of Queen.” Farrow feels she has been “well supported” by the lesbian and gay community, including her partner and friends, since gaining this prestigious title and welcomes the opportunity tonetwork and strengthen existing relationships to promote women's visibility and presence at Vinegar Hill. “I embrace the challenge of ‘giving something back' to an annual event that has brought me so much enjoyment.” Each year a new Queen (historically most often a male) is chosen and takes up the duties of promoting the next year's Christmas/New Year gathering and overseeing some elements such as entertainment. Farrow plans “maybe a few tweaks here and there” for next year but no major changes, “because the spirit and tradition of Vinegar Hill is well established.”She hopes to hear from regulars about what they love about the site and event, and intend to produce a history of the event, including a photo gallery. Shewould also like to make use of community contacts and industry networks "to source products and discounted services from companies thatmay wishto support the eventsduring the summer of Vinegar Hill...I am committed to getting our community more involved and ensuring that Vinegar Hill remains a generally safe and happy place for all to attend." Queen Toni can be contacted at: toni_farrow@hotmail.com.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 23rd January 2005 - 12:00pm