The inaugural Summerdaze Lakes District Community Summer Festival programme is to be launched in Wanaka on Monday, December 6.

Festival organisers Alastair and Diana McIlwrick of Dinamics Destination Management have been working on the programme for the Queenstown-Lakes District Council event for several months.  They feel confident they have come up with a comprehensive programme that caters for the diversity of the Lakes District.

"We've put together about 40 events over 38 days of summer for our community.  This summer, the council is behind far more than the New Year's Eve events in Queenstown and Wanaka.  This is truly a community festival, with events spread through the district and appealing to all age groups," Mr McIlwrick said.

The 20 page programme includes several events organised by Dinamics for the council and many other events which are being umbrella-ed by Summerdaze, which runs from December 17, 2004 to January 23, 2005.

Council Special Projects Manager Lee Harris is thrilled with the event managers efforts.

"I think people will be very excited about all the different events and activities they can take part in with their families over our long, hot summer days.  Let's get out there and enjoy what's on offer," she said.

The launch will take place at Kai Whaka Pai, Ardmore St, Wanaka at 3.30pm with members of the council, event sponsors and participants invited along to celebrate together.

ENDS

For more information, contact Alastair or Diana McIlwrick on 03 441 4412 / 027 450 2624, or Lee Harris on 03 441 0469 / 027 233 7934.

By: Kiri