Queenstown Mayor Vanessa van Uden is calling on the local community to make this year’s American Express Queenstown Winter Festival among the best.

With festivities around the town ranging from fireworks, street parades and parties to the temporary downtown outdoor ice rink, Mayor van Uden invited locals, businesses, schools and visitors to come and join the fun. 

“Snow or no, Winter Festival has always been about getting together not only to celebrate Queenstown’s official start to winter but also our community and this awesome environment. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” she said.

Organisers had done an incredible job so locals and visitors could plan on having a winter blast.

“This is Queenstown, if you’re not skiing then I guarantee you will still have a blast, there are so many choices and so many amazing opportunities, the challenge will be what to choose,” she said.

And with more than 30 free events on the Winter Festival calendar, no matter what your budget there’s no excuse for not getting out and having some good old-fashioned fun, she said.

“Our district’s snow sport-related industries and their employees are doing it a bit tough right now but there’s no better tonic than getting together with family and friends,” Mayor van Uden said.

The Winter Festival will launch on Friday (24 June) with the 100% Kiwi Opening Party followed by a spectacular fireworks display from 5.30pm on Earnslaw Park.

For event details check out the complete American Express Queenstown Winter Festival calendar online at www.winterfestival.co.nz or pick up a programme at information outlets throughout the region.

Winter Starts Here! From 24 June to 3 July the 2011 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival celebrates 37 years of winter fun and festivities with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events. Join us on Facebook, become a Friend of Festival and keep an eye on www.winterfestival.co.nz to be first with the latest news and hot updates. For more information about Queenstown visit www.queenstown-nz.co.nz.

By: Jo Blick