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Napier Art Deco Weekend 2003

  

The third weekend in February was Napier Art Deco Weekend. This event had become a major event in Napier's calendar. For one weekend just about every person in Napier dresses up in Art Deco costume, and there are a multitude of attractions, organised events and tours. There is live music everywhere. They shut off Emerson St (the main drag thru' Napier city centre) and there are Barber Shop groups, Sweet Adelines and a lot of jazz. It was great, strolling through the crowds, observing the people in different costumes and enjoying the music. I have never seen so many un-PC clothes in my life - a lot of women had real 1930s fur stoles, my favourite was the fox fur stole, complete with four paws!!! Margaret has two that Ceri and I used to play with when we were children staying at her house! I might try and find out if she still has them, because they would make an ideal addition to any costume. Not sure what Customs would say to them being posted, though....

And then there were the cars. Art Deco Weekend is also a Vintage car rally. Vintage cars from all over New Zealand meet here for an enormous rally. There were Model T Fords, Buicks, Austin Sevens, Auburns, Chevrolets and many, many more. We were admiring a car and this American chap asked Emma (resplendent in her polka dot dress) to pose with the car!
In the evening we returned to Napier for more entertainment. There were just as many people (if not more) dressed up for a night on the town, '30s style, darling! There was music everywhere! We sat and enjoyed a beer at the Cri whilst listening to various jazz musicians. At the Sound Shell (a wood-built Art Deco stage) there was a big free concert, the NZ Royal Navy Jazz Band played along with others that I can't remember. It was brilliant!
This car was my personal best of show. Even the Model T which was older by far. This car had obviously had so much time, effort and money put into it that I thoughtt it deserved a picture here. I know nothing about Auburn, but thought that they were the best-looking cars on display.
This is "Twin City Stomp". They played the most amazing boogie jazz, a bunch of talened guys who have evidently been playing most of their lives.   This is the New Zealand Navy's Jazz Band in full swing (pardon the pun...) at the Sound Shell. About 6 hours previously the "Bathing Belles" competition was held on this very stage. I'll leave the rest to your imagination...