New Zealand's biggest fete opens next week after turning away 200 stall applications

New Zealand’s biggest fete will open in Culverden again next week after turning away 200 stall applications.



The Culverden Country Christmas fete in north Canterbury on October 28 is in its 19th year with more than 200 stalls, including 50 new stalls, including clothing, produce, food and drinks.



More than 200 stall applications were turned down because there was just not enough room, one of the organisers Lou Davison said today.



``But we are still much bigger than last year and our stallholders come from all over New Zealand, not just Canterbury.



``This is a huge event now and it has attracted people from every corner of the country and we have thousands of fete-goers who enjoy the day, maybe a few drinks and do their Christmas shopping.



``People who grow a little tired of shopping in big city malls love coming to the fete every year,’’ Davison said.



The fete supports the Friends of Waikari Hospital, Cancer Society, Save the Children Fund, Culverden Plunket and the Waiau Plunket.