This year's 'Queen of Vinegar Hill' says plans are in full swing for another relaxing and enjoyable LGBT New Year retreat in the lower North Island. Vinegar Hill is a public domain just north of Hunterville and is the destination for hundreds of LGBT New Zealanders "to chill out and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city life," says Dion Leslie. "I have been attending Vinegar Hill for the last five or so years and was crowned queen at New Years last year," he explains. "I enjoy Vinegar Hill because it's an amazing retreat from the hustle of the city and also you meet so many amazing people." Leslie says he looked forward to the social time around the bonfire each night. "Also being able to help so many people with things around the campsite so that they enjoy their holidays. "This is why I'm guessing I was crowned, because I enjoy seeing so many people have a fun Vinegar Hill experience." This New Years' huge bonfire was a highlight of the 2006-7 Vinegar Hill event, "and the random shows that seem to just happen from nowhere throughout the couple of weeks that we stay, and relaxing playing cards or board games watching people passing by," continues Leslie. Staging, lighting, sound and a large line-up of entertainment for the next New Year's night going into 2008 are all prepared, along with a variety of prizes. This year's events include a 'Fashion in the Field' competition, raft races, a 'Dykes vs Homos' softball match, movie nights, the annual crowning of the new queen, a large bonfire for New Years, following by a DJ'ed prty after Midnight to see in the first day of 2008. Leslie is now organising a fundraiser to help with some of the costs associated with putting together the New Years party and all the plans the Vinegar Hill team have for the camping ground. The internet domain name vinegarhill.co.nz has been registered and a web designer is now needed to assist with the site. If you would like to assist with preparations for this year's Vinegar Hill events, please email Dion Leslie at queen@vinegarhill.co.nz . Ref: GayNZ.com (m)