Snells Gala this Sunday

Donkey rides and golf putting will be among a wide range of attractions at a new family fun day being held at Snells Beach, Sunday February 7.

The Snells Beach Family Gala will take place at Ariki Drive Recreation Reserve between 10am and 3pm, and will feature more than 50 stalls selling an array of crafts, produce, food and drink. There will be plenty of games and activities for children.

The Highfield Reserve donkeys will make an appearance and give rides, and there will be a bouncy castle, miniature cars, an obstacle course and face painting.

Arts and crafts on display will include jewellery, glassware, embroidery, quilting, seashells, wooden items, candles, crystals and gemstones, plus there will be cakes, vegetables, olive oil, preserves, pickles and plants for sale.

Community groups will also be represented, including the Coastguard, Neighbourhood Support, Civil Defence, Mahurangi East Library and local schools.

The event is being organised by the Snells Beach Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (SBRRA) primarily as a fun day, but also to raise funds to upgrade the playground at Sunrise Boulevard.

SBRRA chairperson Bryan Jackson says businesses have been supportive of the new event, generously donating prizes for quick fire raffles and a silent auction.

“The support has been great,” he says. “The association is in the process of raising $88,000 for playground equipment at the Sunrise Boulevard playground. We put $90,000 of equipment in at Ariki Drive last year, and the new pieces will be a basketball hoop and half court, a six-metre climbing frame, a supernova (a large sloping hoop that spins as you stand on it) and a seesaw.

“Now all we need is for it not to rain. I’ve looked up the last seven years’ rainfall for that date, and it’s only rained once – but it didn’t stop for 20 days, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!”

Info: snellsbeach.co.nz/gala10.pdf or email Bryan at 4sbrra@gmail.com