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Onehunga Festival draws 6,0002 min read

Apr 17, 2023 2 min

Onehunga Festival draws 6,0002 min read

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Bubble Man drew a crowd of bubble-loving children

The sun shone brightly as around 6,000 people flocked to the Onehunga Bay Reserve for the annual festival.

Although it was officially an autumn day, it was a record turnout as people enjoyed the free entertainment, activities and of course, the sunshine!

The different performers on stage had the audience on their feet and clapping along. There were local cultural and dance groups, a Zumba class, an acoustic set by musician Chris Bates, and popular covers band Hands Off belted out the tunes.

James Henderson (3) is too young to join the cardboard boat race so he made a boat for himself, and his teddies. Named Ted1, the young sailor sat his beloved teddies in the boat and set sail – in his bath tub at home. He is pictured with big sister Isabel (8).

Children were entertained with farm animals, Mr Bubble Man, an array of slides, a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon twisting and a climbing wall. The different food trucks filled hungry bellies and quenched thirsty festival-goers.

The highlight was the Cardboard Boat Race (hosted by Aotea Sea Scouts), which attracted a large crowd who eagerly stood on dry land cheering for their favourite handmade boat to win.

They were delighted when their favourite boat made it across the lagoon without sinking. Other ‘boaties’ weren’t so lucky and some started sinking before the oar was in the water, while others were in the middle of the lagoon when their boats started taking on water. Great fun was had by all – the dry and the soaked!

 

A lion and Spiderman were spotted at the Festival too. The Revell brothers, Harry (5) and James (three-and-a-half), enjoyed the festival.
Badger (3) loves people and being carried around so he joined Ange Smith at the festival. With them is Hannah Smith.
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