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strong>Fancy yourself as a bit of a Sandy Olsson or Danny Zuko? Or perhaps you're more of a Dorothy Gale, Captain Von Trapp, Mary Poppins or even a Mr. Mistoffelees.

No matter what your flavour is you will only be limited by your imagination when the annual Waihi Beach Op Shop Ball returns to the Waihi Beach Community Centre next week.

The annual Waihi Beach Op Shop Ball returns on Saturday, June 20. Last year's ‘Rags to Riches' ball saw everyone decked out in their best glad-rags sourced from local op shops. Photo: Supplied

Proudly presented by the Waihi Beach Community Events & Promotions Society, this year's theme is ‘Timeless Musicals' and is guaranteed to be a cracker of an event.

Committee member Susan Hope says each year proceeds from the ball go straight back into the community to fund future initiatives and events.

This year's ball will also look to raise funds for a trust that's been established to assist local seasonal workers from Vanuatu whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Pam earlier this year.

Susan says for nearly a decade a group of about 100 Vanuatuan workers have returned each year to New Zealand to work in the Katikati, Waihi Beach and Aongatete areas.

'The trust will be shipping two containers of items like building equipment and clothing to Vanuatu so we're wanting to help with that.”

After months of planning and arranging, Susan says the society is really looking forward to next week's ball, which takes place on Saturday, June 20.

They're also excited to see what costume people come up with and Susan says some of the creations from past balls have been nothing short of amazing.

'I'm still working on mine but I know of a few people who'll be coming along as Dorothy, Bugsy Malone, and characters from Moulin Rogue, Grease and Rocky Horror.

'Idea is for people to buy their outfits from the local op shops, that way it keeps the costs down while supporting local businesses at the same time. It's a win-win.”

If you're heading along make sure you take your dancing shoes as Matamata band Shades of Grey and their extensive repertoire will have you bopping until the wee early hours.

'The band will play straight away and every year, as soon as the music starts the dance floor is packed.”

There will be a full bar available on the night and a light supper will be provided to ball goers. If you're needing a lift home, a courtesy bus has been arranged and will cost you a gold coin donation.

But the main thing is for everyone to come dressed to theme – the society is yet to have someone show up in jeans and sneakers, says Susan.

'People really love the Op Shop Ball, everyone gets behind the theme and it's such a brilliant night, it's always so colourful.

'We've also got a surprise performance planned for the night which we're very excited about, so we want everyone to come down for a night of dancing and singing.”

The Waihi Beach Op Shop Ball takes place at the Waihi Beach Community Centre on Saturday, June 20, from 7.30pm to 12.30am. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased from Waihi Beach Home Hardware. This is an R18 event

For more information call Susan Hope on 07-863-5105 or by emailing hopes6@xtra.co.nz

mailto:hopes6@xtra.co.nz