Exploring passtimes and passion
The Taupō Events Centre fills up with clubs showcasing how their members pass the time.
It’s that time of the year again when everyone’s passions and hobbies come out of garages, sheds, halls and fields to converge on the Taupō Events Centre at AC Baths.
The Hobby Expo is run by the Taupō Model Railway Club but is open to a huge range of exhbitors.
Coordinator Michael Litolff says it was initially set up to showcase all of the clubs, arts and crafts, model clubs, the glider club, model cars, vintage cars, “and all that sort of stuff”.
As passtimes have gone in and out of favour, so have the types of exhibitors at the event.
The dolls’ hospital used to be there, and the knitters, spinners, and weavers don’t come any more, although Michael would love to see them back.
The focus is very much on physical activities and hobbies, rather than video games.
“Because it's quite a therapy, isn't it, to actually do something with your hands?
“We've got some wonderfully skilled modellers in the (train) club.”
Traditional hobbies have moved with the times though and model trains are a classic example.
“It's not a cheap hobby anymore ... if you want something with all the bells and whistles, you're paying $500 for it.
“And it's all digital too. You can run it off your phone as well. We've got a layout up there opposite the baths where our club rooms are. I can run all my trains off my phone.”
They still fill the Events Centre with exhibitors, with a big display from the Model Train Club, and enthusiasts with kitset model cars, planes, boats and trucks.
The North Island Radio Control Truck group brings their models in and there are opportunities for the public to try their hand at driving some of the cars, trucks and boats.
The Vintage Car Club has vehicles on display and the Taupō Gliding Club fills one end of the hall with a working glider.
People can even have a go at the rock-climbing wall which is a permanent feature of the Events Centre.
“My club's philosophy behind this is that we're putting on a show for the people of Taupō, to come along and have a look and see what other people do.”
There is plenty to keep the kids busy too with a bouncy castle in the corner and a craft table for them to try their hand at something.
“We supply models for them to build at the show if they want to, and if they don't complete them, they take them home. We charge a gold coin for them to do it.
“Two dollars and you can make up a model airplane or … printed 3D, or balsa wood type things.”
The event is on Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. It is $10 for adults, $5 for children or $30 for a family.