Today is a public holiday not just for Raglan but everywhere from Taupo north. And with the sun out for the third day in a row there will be big crowds in Raglan again and at the beaches. Most of the shops and cafes will be open.
And remember to make sure you park legally. On days like this, the Waikato District Council send their parking warden to Raglan. So keep within the time limits shown on the signs, don’t park on yellow lines and don’t park on the median strip in Bow. There are now two hours parking signs in Bankart Street, so if you’ve parked all day there in the past, you can’t anymore.
If you are looking for all day parking, head right at the first roundabout coming into Raglan – there are plenty of parking bays in James Street.
Today Monday 30 January is the last day to visiit the Raglan Artists’ Open Studios, which are open for viewing from 10am to 3pm, with a select few open until 5pm.
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This year, a preview exhibition is running at the Old School Arts Centre Community Gallery in Stewart St between 10am and 3pm. It provides an introduction to each artist participating in Raglan Arts Weekend, with a selection of the exhibition showcase pieces. There are also some one-off, 300 x 300 mm pieces of artwork.
Some artists will also be running their open studios from the Old School Arts Centre and the Clay Shed will be open at the back.
The explosion in the number of vehicles in Raglan,the beaches, wharf, reserves is astounding to me. I live right on the roundabout – the noise over these busy weekends is phenomenal – vehicles line every street…lots of people say its good for business, its been great for the arts weekend, I was very happy with all the buses/shuttles running for Sound Splash – lots of kid walking and busing to town and I do love the lads who late at night skate from the top of Bow Street unimpeded by bumper to bumper big shiny vehicles.
In other countries with similar situations of a small coastal town, not much parking and a huge influx of vehicles at holidays, the local Council organises a park ‘n ride car park with a shuttle running into the town. The same could be done in Raglan with the park ‘n ride car park at Nau Mai business park and a shuttle bus running from there to Bow St and the domain.
That’s an interesting idea that I think the RCB should take a look at. Personally I am opposed to creating more parking simply for a few busy weeks and weekends a year. Alan Vink