After a damp and cool Christmas Eve, the country’s biggest gathering of glbt holiday campers is experiencing very hot weather at Vinegar Hill Reserve in the Manawatu. Over three hundred people had arrived by this morning, taking up most of the prime camping sites, with more campers expected to arrive in the next few days. Holidaymakers have arrived from Wellington, Taranaki, the Waikato and Auckland, plus many points in between, with an almost equal balance between gay men and lesbians. Some campers joining in this year are the straight adult offspring of lesbians who have been coming to Vinegar Hill for decades. The river level is perfect for swimming and rafting, with the water temperature cool but comfortable. Already some of the more elaborate campsites have been established, with The Manor, constructed by Murray and Mal, sporting lavish appointments including hot and cold running water. Several Aucklanders have laid out a garden and water feature including two fountains. The DOC-administered reserve on the bank of the Rangitikei River has fully recovered from the disastrous floods of 2004, with fully regenerated grassy areas all along the river flat. A highlight of the annual gathering will be the New Year's Eve festivities, traditionally featuring a blazing bonfire, amateur entertainments and the crowning of a new Queen of Vinegar Hill, who naturally enough, does not need to be female.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 28th December 2008 - 5:34pm