Summer Carnival on the way

One of the big annual events in Upper Hutt, the Summer Carnival, is being held on Saturday, February 25, at Trentham Memorial Park.

The event will bring both a touch of nostalgia befitting an event with a 100-year history, and the excitement of something new.

Changes in what is offered this year include several new animals at the Farmyard Fair at the Carnival - Peppy the alpaca, piglets, bunnies for adoption and more.

Most of the Farmyard Fair activities are free including the always popular animal petting. while there is a a small charge for pony rides and face painting.

Dog agility returns as does Doggy Soccer while a third stage area will feature Highland dancing. Also free is the Super Soaker Foam Pit which proved a hit last year.

The spaghetti eating competition from12.30pm will take place at the Town Square stage. Registration is free but the number of entries is limited, so people 13 years and over will need to register early by the main stage.

Hurricanes players will be available for photos and signings between 11am and 1pm.

Needle in the Haystack, from 10.40am to noon, is another new with five-to-12-year-olds encouraged to get messy in the hay as they hunt for lucky dip prizes.

As usual there will be a wide range of other things to do, including amusement rides, the axeman competition, a contractors’ excavator challenge, vintage machinery and helicopter rides and plenty food and drink choices.

Upper Hutt Summer Carnival: Trentham Memorial Park.10am to 4pm, Saturday, February 25 (Sunday if postponed). Adults: $10, Families: $25. under-5s free.