City spoilt for choice of long weekend events
It was all go at East End over the long weekend with a surf lifesaving competition, a fair and a bike show drawing thousands of people to the area.
On Monday, more than 250 youngsters representing different clubs from across the region took part in the Taranaki Junior Surf Championships at East End Beach in New Plymouth.
Lifesaving event organiser Hywel Davies said the competition was the biggest of the region for junior lifeguards, who ranged in ages from seven to 13.
The event, which was taken out by East End Surf Lifesaving Club, saw the children take part in a series of races on both land and at sea.
‘‘There is the beach flags event which is like musical chairs with bits of hosepipes,’’ he said.
‘‘And then there was oceanbased events which is basically swimming and lifeguard boardskills.’’
The day had gone well, with great numbers, excellent conditions and many children meeting personal goals, he said.
‘‘For some of them it’s about winning but for others it’s just about getting around confidently and watching themselves improve.’’
Back on dry land, The Extravaganza Fair proved popular for many who swarmed the reserve in search of food, entertainment and knick-knacks.
Youngster Koco Karsten-Burg got a birdseye view of the action as she jumped her way to great height on the fair’s trampoline bungee.
The seven-year-old, whose parents manage one of the stalls, said her favourite move was the forward flip.
‘‘It’s very, very good,’’ she said. The three-day event comprised more than 30 families who travel across the country for much of the year showing off their wares and talents.
Co-manager Hipsy Scott, who has spent the past 22 years living on the road, said the weekend had been fabulous.
‘‘We love being here, the weather’s been great and we’ve had a really good response.’’
On the other side of the reserve, a huge collection of bicycles were on display in the East End Skate Rink.
The inaugural New Zealand Cycle Show was the brainchild of cycle enthusiast Ces Hill, of the Cycle Festival Trust.
More than 60 bicycles from many eras went on show in an effort to promote cycling in Taranaki.
Hill said about 600 people had stopped in to check out the display with a 19th century trike, a chopper and a steampunk bike drawing the most attention.
‘‘I think I could put the energy into making this an annual event,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve got such good feedback from it and I’m overwhelmed by the numbers that have come through.’’
To celebrate Sea Week, group Taranaki Conservationists also coordinated a clean-up of East End Beach on Monday.