Something for everyone at annual gala

Silverdale School’s annual Country Show Day may be a little less ‘country’ these days, but there is still something for everyone.

The fundraising event is on Saturday, November 2 and always attracts a big crowd.

As well as the chance to get up close to a Royal NZ Navy helicopter, there is a big selection of food trucks on ‘Eat Street’, inflatable rides, games and plenty of stalls, including the cake stall.

The silent auction again has a vasectomy, valued at almost $700, up for grabs as well as trips and many other prizes donated by local businesses.

Children are expected to flock to the toilet roll toss and Dunk the Teacher and will also enjoy the chance to decorate a cupcake.

Entertainment on stage includes Fuse – a local band made up of school parents.

Chair of the school’s PTA, and one of the Country Show Day organisers, Louise Petrie, says only a small number of children bring pet farm animals to the event and take part in the Young Farmer competition, which has evolved to have elements of town and country.

This has happened over the years with the development of the surrounding area from fields into Millwater, as well as the recent exclusion of Stillwater from the school’s zone.

Louise says it’s important however that a rural element is retained, because it is a reference to the school’s heritage and a point of difference.

Old Macdonald’s Mobile Farm petting zoo will be there, along with pony rides.

She says the support of local businesses, including Platinum sponsor Bayleys Millwater, the small team of organisers and the wider school community is vital in putting on a good gala.

Last year around $40,000 was raised at the Country Show Day and organisers are hoping for something similar this year. The funds will be used to keep the Garden to Table project going, as well as for upgrading play areas and purchasing sports uniforms.

Info: see What’s On.