Light Party brightens families’ day
Despite rain the day before — and the day after — the weather turned it on for the Te Awamutu Light Party last Wednesday.
Organised by the Combined Churches of Te Awamutu, the free event is a highlight on many local families’ calendars.
It’s a practical gift from nine churches to the community, and serves as a safe alternative to Halloween.
Each of the nine churches had a barbecue and gave out free sausages and drinks.
Adding to the usual line-up of games, rides, face-painting and balloon animals was a new ride — Mahons Amusements’ Round Up.
About 200 volunteers gave their time to make the event possible. Organiser Peta Macdonald says it was hard to judge how many people attended the event — but all food was given away.
“We had 6000 sausages and the same number of drinks — and we ran out of both.”
Peta says her highlight of the event is putting a smile on children’s faces.
“What touches my heart most of all is that there are so many kids there that would never usually get to go on these rides. That’s what’s so precious.”
She also loves seeing families come together. “We love seeing grandparents, parents and children sitting on the grass and enjoying a picnic. It’s such a lovely atmosphere.”
Te Awamutu filmmakers Stop the Bus created a video of the event. Check it out at www.facebook.com/ StopTheBusNZ