Latest news with #WingsofWonder
Otago Daily Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Midwinter Carnival preparation begins
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival team has transformed the Meridian Mall with an array of twinkling lantern displays. The annual glow-up of the Meridian, which has been a staunch supporter of the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival for many years, gives the public a chance to get an early taste of the carnival, which will be held on June 27-28, from 4pm-9pm, at First Church. Meridian Mall shoppers will discover a glowing world of pond life, with radiant lily pads, flowers, koi fish and frogs at the entrance, star drops twinkling above the food court, a giant kraken entwined with a glowing ship, and seals on the top floor. These displays are inspired by last year's carnival theme "Creatures of the Deep", and will light up the Meridian Mall until July. Dunedin Midwinter Carnival's team of lantern artists, led by Filipa Crofskey, are hard at work creating new giant lanterns on this year's theme "Wings of Wonder". The public will also be able to take part in small lantern-making workshops from this weekend at the Meridian. Meridian Mall marketing manager Stacey Johnston said the mall was " delighted to provide a welcoming space for the much-loved lantern-making workshops, helping to keep this cherished community tradition glowing brightly". People attending the community workshops will make bumblebees, owls, gulls and a rocket. This year, the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is also partnering with Tūhura Otago Museum, which will host a lantern-making workshop for adults as part of their "Wine and Design" series. Tūhura Otago Museum senior events co-ordinator Jessica Hatfield said the museum was lucky to be able to collaborate "with such amazing local events and help showcase the mahi that goes into them". Each workshop participant will get free entry to the carnival and be invited to take part in one of the smaller processions which will wind around the grounds of First Church. • Workshop timings: Family workshops will be held at the Meridian Mall on May 25-26, June 1-2, June 8-9 and June 15-16. Adult workshops will be held at Tūhura Otago Museum on May 25-26, June 1-2, June 8-9, and June 15-16. • Volunteers Required: The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is calling for volunteers to help support the not-for-profit event on June 27-28 at First Church. Positions range from workshop assistants to information stand crew. No experience is required, but volunteers must be 15 years or older. • Dunedin Midwinter Carnival event tickets, workshop bookings and volunteer registration are available online at
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wings of Wonder: Accessibility for all who want to travel
Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) — The Rapid City Regional Airport partnered with local organizations for Wings of Wonder. The event's goal is to help people with disabilities easily navigate the airport from the moment they park their car until they find their seat on the plane. Gov. Rhoden talks first 100 days in office The Rapid City Regional Airport has steps in place to make sure everyone feels welcome. Sunflower lanyards help identify people with hidden disabilities who might need the same assistance. 'We wanted to get involved in that early, many airports across the country are now involved in that, it all looks the same. To the traveling public, when they show up and they've got that lanyard on, it's a cue to those folks who are working here that they may need some extra care,' Rapid City Airport director Patrick Dame said. These lanyards will help airport employees in baggage and the terminal, along with TSA members so they can assist those with both visible and hidden disabilities. 'They're going to take things a little bit slower in the explanation process. So sometimes with checking in, that helps. Trying to get your seats and your baggage all checked in, that is a stressful process for someone with disabilities,' Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee Member Tony Russell said. 'You know, from the airport's vantage point we need to be here for everybody. And if there are folks that need a little extra out of it, we want to make sure we're getting them the experience that they need,' Dame said. The Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee works to make sure everyone in the air has access in everyday life. 'Advocating for those people with disabilities and helping make some of these processes easier on us so we can enjoy reaping that, not only everything the beautiful Black Hills has to offer but we can get out and travel and see what other great things are out there,' Russell said. To be able to participate in the Sunflower Lanyard Program, all you have to do is ask an employee for one near the rentals before starting your journey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
