Hope for big crowds at first fair
There will be a love-in, a muck-in and a hoedown all at once this Sunday, when the inaugural Titahi Bay Fair kicks off at the Whitehouse Rd shops.
Porirua City councillor ’Ana Coffey has organised the community event, which will boast 30 stalls, kids’ activities, a hangi and musicians.
She hopes the event will attract hundreds of people, and if successful next year’s event will be bigger and better, with surrounding streets closed off.
‘‘I just think it’s time that Titahi Bay has a fair, a good big community event,’’ she says. ‘‘I’d like it to become a regular event.’’
Five planter boxes will be filled with vegetables on the day, which Ms Coffey will use to gauge interest in a bigger garden project.
‘‘It’s to see if there’s some energy in the Bay for a community garden.’’
Those attending will be encouraged to share their vision for Titahi Bay, which will be collected by a working group reviewing the Bay’s 2005 Village Plan.
Working group members will distribute questionnaires on the day, for residents to identify what they value about Bay life, Ms Coffey says.
‘‘We would love all of the Bay to fill it out. It’s trying to get big themes of what people love and would like to see happen in the Bay.’’
The Whitehouse Rd shops will be open for business during the fair, and Different Stroax owner Cheryl Browne hopes it will give the shops a boost.
‘‘Just talking to people about it, they’re so excited. It’ll bring the community together, too. It’s a hub here but there’s been a bit of a turndown. ‘‘I think this will get it back up again.’’ Ms Coffey is still seeking musical performers, such as jazz musicians, for the fair.