Wakefield wears a village hat, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to activities and hospitality, which is why businesses have teamed up for a ‘Why Not Wakefield’ weekend to coincide with Father’s Day.
A weekend to showcase Wakefield was initiated by Bo Hensley and Mike Meissner who recognised the village and its community had much to offer, but people often did not stop long enough to get out and enjoy everything.
Bo says the Father’s Day weekend provides the excuse to get the family out to Wakefield and find one or more activities to suit each family member, culminating in an ice cream, drink or meal.
Many of the businesses involved in the Why Not Wakefield weekend have open days, events or special prices for visitors. Added to that, Bo says the Classic and Collectable Car Show is rolling into Higgins Steam Museum and on Sunday the Waimea South Historical Society will dress for the occasion on the Village Green and tell a few tales from Wakefield’s rich history.
Among the more diverse activities during the weekend is the opportunity to learn how to make a knife or view the stars at the Wai-Iti Dark Sky Park.
An added incentive to draw visitors to the village and surrounding area is a draw to win a prize pack of vouchers that includes accommodation, local produce and vouchers to use in the village. Visitors need to bring along the flyer or newspaper advertisement and get stamps from at least three of the businesses to go into the draw.
All up, Bo reckons there will be something for everyone.
“Dad can look at the classic cars, have a free drink and then the kids can shoot their dad at Gellyball. What more do you want!
“Or, because it’s his special day, he can have a round of golf, look at the cars and have a pint.”
She says cyclists can bike out the Great Taste Trail to stop at Wakefield for the day and if they are electric bikes, they can charge them at The Villa before returning home.
“The whole idea is to showcase what Wakefield has to offer,” Mike says. “Because we have so much to offer and it’s supporting the locals.”
