Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 42, September 1998
Paeroa Racecourse was transformed into a tent city for over 750 Girl Guides who took part in a Jamboree, which commenced on 9 January 1998. This was the first time that such an event had been held in Paeroa and it proved to be a big outdoor adventure for the Guides who came from throughout New Zealand and overseas. During the course of the Jamboree, many Guides took part in five-day experiences held in places like Whitianga, Slipper Island, Port Waikato and as far away as Wanganui.
With over 1000 people to feed, organisers used the racing club lounges, plus a marquee that sat 300 people. To ensure the safety of the Guides, a security firm was stationed around the race course and the Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade had a crew on site.
As their contribution to Paeroa, the Guides painted a mural on the wall of the community swimming pool, planted daffodil bulbs on Primrose Hill and, at the sound of a siren at 12.12pm on 16 January, cleaned every main street shop window. The Jamboree wound up on Saturday 17 January with a "Rage" party.
The local liaison officer for the Jamboree was Mrs Julia Lowe.