Bay Harbour: September 27, 2017

PAGE 4 Wednesday September 27 2017
BAY HARBOUR
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Frenchfest will celebrate Akaroa’s Gallic
Fire rages, homes at risk
• By Sarla Donovan
SACRE BLEU. Frenchfest is back
– and it’s bigger and better than
ever.
To be held on October 6 to 8,
a new addition this year will be
the celebration of Maori culture
at the Onuku Marae Whanau
Fun Day.
“Akaroa is very proud of its
European and Maori heritage,
and the celebration of Frenchfest
is one way of paying homage to
it,” said Margaret Moir, chairwoman
of the Akaroa Heritage
Festival Society.
Festivities open with the Friday
night street party – ‘Fête des
Lumières’.
With the waterfront closing to
vehicles, people can spill out of
restaurants and bars and enjoy a
night of outdoor entertainment.
On Saturday morning French
Bay plays host to one of the most
important parts of Frenchfest,
the re-enactment of the sailing
ship Comte de Paris’ 1840
landing after a marathon fivemonth
journey from Rochefort,
France.
The theatrical re-enactment
brings the first European settlement
of Akaroa to life.
A multicultural camp site
will be set up on the beach with
RECREATING HISTORY: The Onuku runanga will take part in a re-enactment of the sailing ship
Comte de Paris’ 1840 landing.
actors portraying French and
English soldiers, whalers from
around the world, early farmers,
tangata whenua, tents and lots of
costumes – all setting the scene
for the arrival of the Comte de
Paris.
As the cutters make their way
from the ship with the French
and German settlers, a waka will
pass by – inspecting the new
arrivals.
The new settlers are then
greeted by the Mana Whenua.
From there a parade will move
celebrations down Rue Lavaud,
MACAROON MADNESS:
French food and wine will
be a feature at the Saturday
market day.
entering Jubilee Park for the ‘Le
Jour du Marché’ (market day,)
with traditional French games,
food, wine, education, entertainment,
and more.
A ticketed cabaret evening
follows, strictly for the adults –
cancan dancers, bands and burlesque
providing entertainment
into the small hours.
The Onuku Marae Whanau
Fun Day will be held on Sunday
“The connection with the
local tangata whenua who were
here to welcome the settlers is
very important too, and we are
thrilled to have them as part of
the events,” Ms Moir said.
Clare reilly - DanCe of life
In Clare Reilly’s new exhibition, ‘Dance of Life’ she expresses the resilience and tenacity to keep finding
joy and beauty in the natural surroundings. Especially in the hard times, when confronted by the big
challenges in life, that we must all pass through at some stage.
There are events, such as the death of a loved one, that can turn our lives upside down. Finding strength
in nature can help us to stay connected and grounded and bring a sense of being part of the dance of life.
These paintings are meditations on the quiet moments, where we can
step away from everyday stress and become fully present and find a
sense of peace.
They are an invitation to breathe in the moment and dance with life.
KEEP IT SAFE
& SECURE
‘Fly Me to The Moon’ original oil painting by Clare Reilly from the
exhibition ‘Dance of Life’ at Little River Gallery.
‘Pipipi at Dawn’ original oil painting
by Clare Reilly from the exhibition
‘Dance of Life’ at Little River Gallery.
The exhibition opens at little river Gallery from September 30th till october 25th.
for more information, please visit www.littlerivergallery.com
Clare Reilly
30 September - 25 October
Get your perfect backyard shed!
THICKER, STRONGER & MORE SECURE
BIG RANGE OF GARDEN AND STORAGE SHED
SIZES AND STYLES AVAILABLE
Main Rd, Little River | 03 325 1944
art@littlerivergallery.com
CHRISTCHURCH
55 Hands Road
Ph: (03) 338 9063
www.stratco.co.nz