Animal hats run wild at Fieldays

Animal hats are running wild at this year’s Fieldays and it’s not just children who want the unique head wear.

Whangarei-based Arthur Emporium’s stall sold 240 animal hats on Wednesday alone.

Raewyn Peterson, who works at the stall, said, “people have gone absolutely mad for them.”

On the first day the penguins, pandas, rabbits, pigs and sheep all sold out.

Mr Brasting said the hats have been so popular they have had to order another shipment from Auckland for Friday.

“We always knew they’d be a hit,” he said.

Ms Peterson said they were a real hit with the children but surprisingly a lot of adults wanted them too.

A happy shopper Sandra Webb, who travelled to Fieldays from Levin, said she couldn’t wait to take the hats home for her grandchildren.

An older couple David and Colleen Cullen bought each other frog and dog hats for a bit of fun.

“I was feeling quite grumpy this morning but now we have our new hats I feel a lot happier,” said Mr Cullen.

The furry head wear costs $6 a pop and there are also giant cone hats and Jamaican “Rasta” wigs on offer at the stall on N Road.

Mr Brasting said they have been bringing bits and bobs to Fieldays for 22 years but the animal hats will definitely be back next year.