They came, they saw and they partied.

Queenstown's annual Winter Festival wrapped up yesterday, albeit a bit early thanks to Mother Nature showing her giving side once again. Near-whiteout conditions forced the cancellation of the final event of the 10-day celebration of winter.

The closing ceremony was to feature an aerial display by the Southern Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club. But not being able to see the fliers nor them able to see where they should have been going brought the festival to an early end.

Despite the cancellation, festival director Sally Feinerman was buzzing over what she described as a fantastic event.

"The whole week went really well. I'm really pleased with the whole festival and the positive vibe that the whole town had. It was great."

Pushed to pick a festival highlight, Ms Feinerman said for her the Lindauer Ladies Fashion Afternoon stood out. The event was the conclusion of the Fitness and Fashion Challenge, with those involved completing a 12-week fitness training, nutrition and choreography programme designed to give them the confidence to take part in a fashion show.

"Those women put so much effort into it their 12-week journey and then had the courage to get up on the catwalk. It just surpassed expectations."

Ms Feinerman said catching up on sleep would now be a priority, something many other festival-goers might be keen to do as well.

The sold-out Jazz Night at the Skyline building above Queenstown was held on Saturday night, with renowned jazz musician Nathan Haines headlining the popular event.

In the Grabaseat Mountain Mayhem events on Saturday, experienced Lake Hawea skier Geoff Small won the Dash for Cash his fourth win in the past six years.

Southland Times columnist Mark Wilson won the men's Suitcase Race, with Queenstown woman Katrina Priest winning the women's and overall title.

The festival's Top Bloke was due to be determined last night with the final at the Memorial Hall. The Southland Times' Queenstown-based reporter, Ben Heather, had been strutting his stuff in hope of emulating fellow journalist Will Hine, crowned Top Bloke last year.


Source: MARK HOTTON in Queenstown - Southland