Kids club keeps the family vibe alive
The Napier Art Deco Festival will include a kids club for the first time as Hawke’s Bay’s biggest event makes a push to become even more family friendly.
The Deco Kids Club will be held under a marquee on the lower lawn next Saturday and Sunday.
The space will be filled with games, colouring competitions, dance lessons, shade and water for families to pop in and take a rest over a busy, hot weekend.
The Junior Gatsby Picnic is back for its second year and more than 1000 Hawke’s Bay school children will dress up and bring a packed lunch into town on buses sponsored by Nimons.
Festival director Glen Pickering said the junior picnic was his highlight of the 2018 events.
“Seeing those smiley, excited faces as they jump off the buses ready for a fun filled morning of Art Deco activity is a great way to kick off [the] Thursday of [the] festival.”
A water tanker, supported by Napier City Council will be situated on Marine Parade to keep people hydrated over the weekend. Remember bring your bottles.
Shuttles buses will run from Ahuriri and the Motorhome Park at the end of Marine Parade, and GoBay has extra bus services from Hastings to get to the festival.
TSB Napier manager Garth Hutchison said it was “delighted to be the sponsor of the family and youth events”.
“We are particularly looking forward to having a go at the Charleston lessons that are happening in the Kids Club marquee each day.”
As well as dedicated family events the Deco Festival has favourites for everyone to enjoy.
Flying displays by the Warbirds and Napier Aero Club will run over the weekend, the Vintage Car Parade on Saturday will have a focus on commercial vehicles (also look out for more than 40 Indian Motorcycles) and the Soapbox Derby and Gatsby Picnic on the Sunday are not to be missed.
“We pride ourselves on the fact that this is first and foremost the community’s festival,” Pickering said.
“It’s about creating events that encourage families to . . . enjoy an incredible Art Deco experience to commemorate and celebrate Napier’s special heritage.”
■ Napier Art Deco Festival: February 13-17. Programme: www.artdeconapier.com. Tickets: www.iticket.co.nz or Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson St, Napier. Napier Municipal Theatre and Century Theatre events: www.ticketek.co.nz