A host of fun activities on land, at sea, and in the air have been planned in Whitianga this Labour Weekend.
The Mercury Bay Business Association says the agenda includes an aero day, some super skilful scootering, a fishing tournament and competition, and a food fest.
There will also be a parachute drop, aerobatics, high-speed flypasts, formation flying and planes with impressive history (vintage and warbirds) will all be part of the over-the-bay air show action.
AERO CLUB MARKS 75 YEARS
A parachute drop from a DC3 will kick start the Sunday air show that runs from 10am to noon, with parachutists alighting on Buffalo Beach.
An Airfield open day will follow, from midday to 4pm, offering the chance for joyrides, the opportunity to meet the pilots and view static displays.
Organiser Bill Beard said it was set to be an exciting aero day involving some “rather exotic” aeroplanes and befitting given the event will celebrate the Mercury Bay Aero Club’s 75th birthday.
The celebratory show and open day will be free to the public, with Monday scheduled as a back-up rain day.
SCOOTER COMPETITION
Mercury Bay Business Association member Suzanne Hansen said Labour Weekend activities had been organised with all age groups in mind.
Set to pull in youths, for example, is Saturday’s Whitianga Scooter Comp, organised by 17-year-old local and world class scooter champion, Seth Smith.
There’s the chance to be thrilled watching Seth, and other competitors, show how rails and ledges are made for scootering, she said.
Seth – whose scootering skills gained him a second placing in the world’s in Argentina in 2021 – said those already registered for the event will be coming from Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland, as well as the Coromandel.
Registration is possible on the day at the Whitianga Skate Park, or ahead of time, by emailing klsrsmith@hotmail.com or contacting Seth on instagram @s3th.sm1th.
There will be eight categories – to cater for different age groups, with the youngest for those seven and under, says Seth who was late to the sport, starting as a young teen (these days he’s sponsored by Madd Gear who will be helping on the day).
Saturday will also include a snapper tournament and zone three interclub competition, open to all Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club members and day members.
Hours of fishing stretch from 6:30am until 4pm, with the prizegiving to follow at the club’s headquarters at 6.30pm.
FOOD FESTIVAL
Meanwhile, Mercury Bay Area School’s Year 13 business students will have taste bud demands covered. They’ll be hosting the Whiti Food Fest at Soldiers Memorial Park.
Real fruit ice-cream, Hawaiian tropical delights, magic shakes, gluten-free dosas and a dish that dishes up the wonder of halloumi, falafel and beans will all be on the menu.
Entry will be by way of donation, and the food on offer from 4pm until 8pm… washed down with live music and entertainment.
More info: www.whitianga.co.nz/events.