Stilettos and hairspray have raised more than just eyebrows.
The recent Miss Waimate beauty pageant has raised over $35,000 for the Waimate Trail.
The 67km loop trail would ultimately link existing track networks between Studholme, Kelcey’s and Gunn’s Bush via Mt Studholme at the top of the Hunters Hills and through the old Waimate branch railway to Waihao Forks.
Waimate 2gether project manager Jo Sutherland said construction was now beginning on section C of the first stage of the trail, which ran through private property along the old railway line. The first part of the trail had been through the Waimate Gorge, as they wanted to get cyclists and pedestrians off the road.
‘‘We’re getting on really well, but every bit of penny helps,’’ Mrs Sutherland said.
She said Miss Waimate was an ‘‘amazing night’’.
Local men swapped their gumboots for high heels for the occasion.
‘‘It was such a great night, with so much laughter. The men put their heart and soul into it,’ she said.
In rehearsals before the night, the entrants learnt how to line dance.
‘‘When they began they all had two left feet, but after a few practices they really got the hang of it.’’
The show had sold out quickly and Mrs Sutherland was grateful for the community support.
She hoped they would see a return on their support from the economic flow the trail was expected to produce.
