Off with a bang
More photos from Saturday’s Fairhaven School Fireworks Gala
It had fireworks, it had water, it had food and it had people — lots of people. The 21st Fairhaven School Think water Fireworks gala on Saturday was a belter — with the biggest crowd the event has enjoyed for several years.
Principal Paul Hunt said he estimated between 4000 and 5000 people made their way to the school grounds to enjoy the evening.
“I think that was because we had such a lovely day — we hadn’t had such a lovely day for [the gala] for about six years I think,” he says.
Paul has been at the school for 16 years and he said the big crowd was reminiscent of those of the gala in the earlier days of his principalship.
Getting dunked didn’t put a dampener on the evening — in fact with the right to dunk the principal sold at auction, it just added to the money raised.
“I was amazed at the support around that. I expected $5 or $10 and in the end $95 was bid — it’s amazing that people are wanting to get behind the school and support it like that.”
He was pleased with the way the event went.
“There was a really good family atmosphere — people seemed to be really enjoying it and were mixing well.
He even heard of a couple of German visitors who stumbled across the gala and were disappointed not to be able to try the hangi.
“Unfortunately all the hangi had sold out — that was an indication of the crowd as well.”
The hot chip stall also had to put up the “all gone” sign, something Paul can’t remember happening before.
“When you look at the fact that it’s put on by a group of parents and staff and the size of it, and it runs so smoothly, it’s pretty amazing.”