More than 100 people braved the rain and damp weather to witness the culmination of the Samabula Carnival, The Fiji Times reported on October 5, 1992.
Youthful Vandhana Dhana Nair, a seventh-grade student, took home the Miss Charity crown at the three-day event held at Samabula Primary School, Suva.
The 12-year-old raised $10,971.50 of the overall total of $38,672.96 and earned a round trip for two to New Zealand along with $500 in spending money.
She expressed her excitement for the journey and extended her gratitude to her parents, Mr and Ms Ganga Dharan Nair, as well as her friends and teachers for their support.
The first runner-up was Miss Class Eight, Sheronita Shoma Charan, who raised $9407.79 and received a round-trip ticket for two to Labasa and $200.
Second runner-up honours went to Miss Class Six, Shabana Fazeelat Sahu Khan, who amassed $5316.61 and won a round-trip for two to Levuka and $200.
The third runner-up was Miss Class Three, Veebha Chauhan, who collected $4235.06 and received a night for two at the Sheraton Hotel along with $200 spending money.
The head teacher of SPS, Mr Krishna, described the festival as “excellent” citing the support from the Samabula community.
“The students took an active part in the affair by entering one student each from classes one to eight in the charity queen contest,” he said.
Mr Krishna remarked on the enthusiastic response to this inaugural carnival in Samabula.
He had previously mentioned the carnival aimed to raise $50,000.
A representative from the school indicated that the funds raised from various stalls had not yet been fully counted.
“The money from the charity queen quest alone is $38,672.96 and it will be well over the target once the stall money is counted,” the man said.
Funds gathered from the carnival would be allocated towards the repair and refurbishment of the school.
Following the crowning ceremony, the crowd was treated to a range of multicultural entertainment, including Tahitian, Fijian, and Indian dances, as well as theatrical performances.
Additionally, the carnival held a baby show, helicopter rescue demonstrations, and a pet show featuring trained police dogs.
