Huge Interest in Youth Council’s Fake Storefront Project

Ruapehu Youth Council’s latest venture of creating replica store displays in the empty shop windows along Manuaute St has prompted a huge response in support of the project.

The Youth Council is asking people to come up with ideas for fake/replica store frontages that can be put together for under $400 with the overall winner being showcased at the Taumarunui Christmas Parade on Saturday 10 December as well as pocketing $1,500 cash of which $500 will go to a local charity or community organization of their choice.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Youth Liaison Officer Samantha Arthur-Curtis said that the Youth Council’s Facebook page “had gone nuts” with people supporting the concept, proposing ideas for displays and asking how they can get involved.

“The response has been absolutely amazing with people suggesting all sorts of ideas and reminiscing about the history and types of stores that used to be along Manuaute St,” she said.

“To help people get their imagination flowing the Youth Council are putting together two fake displays, also known as ‘Potemkin stores’ at number 9 Manuaute St although people can come up with any concept they like no matter how mad it might seem.”

“People can enter as a team, individual, school, class room, special interest group, club or even a group of friends with the top six designs receiving $400 to bring their idea to life.”

“Design ideas must be submitted by Friday 7 October with the design phase starting on Monday 5th September. The six winners will be notified and can start building their displays onFriday 21 October.”

“Our youth councillors will be video logging the building phase of the project throughout October and November a’ la the reality TV programme The Block NZ. It will be ‘tools down’ at5pm Sunday 27th November. We are looking forward to the potential positive flow on effects around town this project might inspire!”

Ms. Arthur-Curtis added that the Youth Council wanted to send a big thank you to the store owners who have allowed us to use their property for this project.

Entry forms can be picked-up from Council or REAP or downloaded from Council’s websiteruapehudc.govt.nz from Monday 5th September.

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