Family fun day at bay a success
IN a throwback to the carnivals of old, the Friendly Bay Family Fun Day attracted hundreds of people to the Oamaru seaside on Saturday.
Decades ago, thousands of people would flock to the Friendly Bay carnival over Christmas and New Year, which was held for the first time in 1922 but ended in 1979.
For years, the area was never quite the same, until it was rejuvenated in the form of the Steampunk playground in 2013, followed more recently by other attractions including the children’s learntoride bike park.
On Saturday, the harbour area buzzed with excitement as children of all ages took part in activities including a beach dig, flag races and sandcastle building competitions.
Free activities included bouncy castles, face painting, kayaking and paddleboarding and the always popular Lions Club of Oamaru Noddy Train, which slowly made its way around the car park near Holmes Wharf.
On the water, there were large inflatables from the Waitaki Aquatic Centre for children to clamber across until they ended up in the chilly water.
Entertainment was provided by Chorus Cicada, Dee May and the Saints, and The Reveal.
Organised by the Waitaki District Council, the day has grown in popularity over the years since it was first held in 2016 and its goal had always been to provide good oldfashioned, family entertainment and provide it for free.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the event had become a mustdo for many families in Waitaki.