Oamaru has always had a bit of an attraction for us, being a somewhat more antique area than typically found in a youngish country like New Zealand, so when we received an invititation from organizer Faye Ormandy it didn't take a whole lot of convincing to go, even with the three hour drive!

Arriving, Faye efficiently dressed us out in period costumes which later proved to be quite an attraction to our street side location, with photographers lining up for shots especially of Heather and the children.  Situated between a worm farmer which stole our seven year old's interest, and a hot composter on the other side, we fit right into the theme.

Along for the ride were our very tame black chooks, two Australorps and a Barnevelder.  Apparently they didn't mind too much, laying an egg en route and another in the nest after arriving!  Lots of people expressed a growing interest in keeping chickens; hopefully we were able to give some useful pointers or at least reduce the fear of jumping into something new.

We particularly enjoyed the excellent bagpipe band; being in the Southland/Otago area of New Zealand means plenty of exposure to this Scottish heritage and the band that played was among the best we've heard yet.  One of our children is now asking me to build him a bag pipe...yikes!

A somewhat windy day on the cool side, after noon the sky grew significantly darker and wetter.  By two o'clock big drops of rain drove most attenders into hiding under any available roof, while some of the smaller displays packed up for the day.  The sight of Heather picking up her skirts and running down the street made it all worthwhile, and she now understands why gentlemen were simply indispensible to a lady of the Victorian era: the clothing simply became to bulky and heavy to manage with anything additional!

All told we had a great time and hope to be invited again; if not, we may simply show up for the fun of dressing up!