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A bucking bull will be one of the drawcards when the Wild West-themed 49th Kowhai Festival kicks off later this month.
The festival’s Huge Day Out will take place on October 27 in Warkworth on Queen Street.
Kowhai Festival chair Murray Chapman says there is a special emphasis on the theme this year.
“We chose one that would be easy for people to get on board with, and we’re hoping children will dress up because it really adds to the atmosphere,” he says.
A bucking bull will feature.
“We’ve also got a few additions this year to get people in the mood. As well as the bucking bull, there will potentially be a high street shootout between a couple of local politicians.”
The bull will be placed outside the stairway entrance to the Baxter Street upper level carpark.
Other entertainment will include live performances all day, headlined by Jamie McDell, at the stage on Wharf Street by the river.
“We’ve trialled two stages for a few years now and put them in different places, but it just hasn’t worked. This time we want all the focus to be in the one area.
“We’re also looking to put in more seating for those watching the performances, as that’s been a request from people in the past.”
Also on Wharf Street will be the usual range of food and drink options, including the garden bar for those 18 and over.
Children can also find fun at the new Bayleys carpark, where the Mahurangi Sport and Recreation Collective will be running activities.
There will be more than 200 stalls in the main street this year, with a few still available for those wishing to set up a stall at the festival.
This year, there is also a vitality and wellbeing area in the Paper Plus carpark, featuring health professionals and health products.
For transport to the event, a shuttle bus will operate between Mahurangi College and Mill Lane.
For those driving to the event, remember Neville Street and Queen Street will both be closed off.
“If anyone leaves their car parked in these streets overnight, they will be towed the next day. Also remember to avoid blocking driveways when using the surrounding streets to park,” Murray says.
The Buckton Consultants carpark will be managed by Warkworth Lions again this year, but is only available for disabled parking.
“Last year we used New World for this, but by 9am the parks were full of cars without mobility parking permits, so we’ve changed the set up this time.”
For more info about stalls, contact info@kowhaifestival.nz
