Queen Lynette Hundreds of glbt campers are heading home from Vinegar Hill secure in the knowledge that a new reigning Queen will prepare the camping ground for next year. Wellingtonian Lynnette Knox has been crowned the new Queen of Vinegar Hill, a title which is conferred by previous queens and carries the regal responsibility of liaising with DOC and the council regarding camping facilities, and arranging next year's entertainment. Upwards of 800 campers had assembled in the DOC reserve near Hunterville by New Year's Eve and the weather was quite hospitable, says long-time camper and Past Queen Calum Bennachie. This year's entertainment included tubing down the river, a Queen's cocktail party and a movie evening. A number of campers go to great length to decorate their tents and caravans, with prizes being awarded for categories such as Best Camp Site, Best Lighting and Best use of Technology. The Vinegar Hill event is the largest holiday gathering of glbt people in New Zealand, attracting campers, including families and children, primarily from all around the North Island.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 4th January 2011 - 6:22pm