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There was an enthusiastic turnout for the 49th Kowhai Festival ‘Big Day Out’ in Warkworth on Saturday (October 27).
The western-themed event was held in ideal weather conditions with crowds steady throughout the day.
Festival organising committee chair Murray Chapman says he has only received positive comments.
“The shuttle bus from the college was well supported and personally, I really enjoyed seeing so many families out enjoying themselves – it is what the festival is all about,” Murray says.
Warkworth Police officer-in-charge Sgt Mark Stallworthy says crowds were well behaved with only a couple of very minor incidents.
“It was just a really fun, family-friendly day. Everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves,” Sgt Stallworthy says.
The organising committee now has its sights set firmly on next year’s 50th Anniversary in October, which could break with tradition and hold the Big Day Out on a Sunday rather than a Saturday.
“It is still to be confirmed, but if we do opt for Sunday, we hope this will mean that lots of people who might normally work or play sport on a Saturday will be able to attend,” Murray says.
The organising committee also hopes there will be enough interest from community groups, schools and others to run a month-long calendar of festivities.
“We want to get as many people as possible involved in the celebration. It will be a great opportunity to showcase the town and wider district to a huge audience.”
The theme of the anniversary festival will be ‘gold’.
Murray thanked the legion of volunteers, sponsors and especially the organising committee for their support.
“They are all amazing and it really does define what community spirit is all about.”
