The St Bathans fete was like a step back in time at the weekend, with people dressed up in period costume playing old fashioned games.

This weekend it will be Patearoa’s turn after organisers of the Taiari Wai music festival decided to postpone their event because of the rain.

Now in its 17th year, the St Bathans fete was originally started by St Bathans-Cambrian Rural Women, with just five humble stalls, and has evolved into an established ticketed event.

The St Bathans Community Association took it over and turned it into an annual fundraiser to help maintain historic buildings and encourage activities that reflect the town’s history.

Dunstan High School band The Stolen Rings entertaining the crowd at The St Bathans fete. Photo: The Central App

There was live music from young band The Stolen Rings as well as The Amber Temple, and the Maniototo’s very own Just Janie with her brother Tim.

Volunteer organiser Chanelle O’Sullivan said there were over 1000 tickets sold for the event (not including children), and they were rapt with the turnout.

The Vulcan Goldrush was one of the highlights of the day, where children dug for cash and treasure.

This coming Saturday the Taiari Wai festival will feature some of the best poets in the country, along with live music from Adam Hattaway, Just Janie and On a Bender (Hyram Twang, Leigham Fitzpatrick and friends).

Held between 12-5pm in Patearoa and celebrating the diversity and community of the Taiari/Taieri River, there will be talks with Luke Liddell on Uplands Wetlands, following by Steve Wilson and Jean Bonner.

For more information check out our ‘what’s on’ section of the Central App here