Brewing up some lies and tall tales this weekend

Matthew Martin | 11th March 2010

Rotorua's full of liars - it's just hard to get them up on a stage.

That's what Ngongotaha Lions Club member John Smale reckons and he knows a bit about it. He's helping to organise the third annual Brewers and Liars Festival and would like to see you at their big event in Ngongotaha this Saturday.

It's not too late to enter or buy tickets to the event but don't leave it too late. Last year about 60 people were turned away. Mr Smale said the event was inspired by the Burlington Liars Club from Wisconsin in the United States but he believes Rotorua liars are among the best in the world.

Master of Ceremonies for the night will be Rotorua's Gary Pavitt, who will be joined on stage by guest judge and comedian Andrew Lumsden - better known as Te Radar.

"He's a very clever bloke and enjoyed it so much last year he was keen to come back," Mr Smale said.

Liars will be judged on their ability to fool the audience and on entertainment value so a good sense of humour comes in handy. "They can be blatant, outright lies but if you get the audience to believe it, then you'll do well," Mr Smale said.

Apart from all of the tall tales, local beer, wine and spirit brewers will get the chance to show off their wares and get the chance to be crowned best brewer in the district.

"We want this to be an event Ngongotaha is proud of and for local businesses to support every year," Mr Smale said.

There were prizes on offer for both brewers and liars and entertainment would include blues guitarist Mike Garner, belly dancing, a drumming group and a lingerie fashion parade with food and drink also on offer.

All proceeds from the event, being held at the Ngongotaha Community Hall on School Rd, Ngongotaha, from 5pm to 10.30pm Saturday, will go to the Rotorua Hospice.

* Tickets are available for $25 from McLeods Bookshop, Tutanekai St, or Houghtons Hardware in Ngongotaha. For more information contact John, phone (07) 348 1508 or email johnsmale@paradise.net.nz.