Moanataiari School will be lighting up the sky this Saturday, as it presents Thames’ first-ever fireworks event.
The gates open at 5pm at Rhodes Park for Light It Up Thames, a family-friendly event which will feature food, entertainment, arts and craft stalls, raffles, kid’s activities, and more. The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.
Proceeds from the event will go towards a new playground for Moanataiari School.
“It’s been a project for a while,” school Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) member Julie White said of the playground, which recently received an upgrade to its beloved “Thomas the Tank Engine” decommissioned shunter engine.
“Some of the original [playground equipment] is still there. And so, this is now the next stage of getting a good playground for the kids.”
With the cost of playground equipment rising, the PTA decided they needed a novel idea for a fundraiser – and ideally something that the whole community could enjoy.
“Our vision is not just to raise funds for a much-needed junior playground upgrade at Moanataiari School, but to create a memorable and inclusive celebration for the entire Thames-Coromandel community and visitors from further afield,” the school said.
“This will be the first event of its kind in our area, filling a real gap in local celebrations.”
The fireworks will be professionally run by Dr Martin Van Tiel from Van Tiel Pyrotechnics Ltd,
one of New Zealand’s leading pyrotechnics experts.
Local businesses have also stepped up to sponsor the event, which Julie said the school was very grateful for.
There is still plenty of time to jump on board, she said.
“If anyone wants to sponsor the playground project directly, they’re welcome to get in touch.
“But, otherwise, we just really want Thames and the wider community to come along for a good night,” she said.
“If it goes well and there’s good support, we would love for it to be an annual Thames event.”
DETAILS: Light Up Thames, 5-9pm, November 8 at Rhodes Park, Thames. A rain date will be announced on Facebook if needed. Tickets are available at the gate: $10 adults, $5 children, $25 family pass (two adults and two children), and children under two are free. To become a sponsor, contact Julie on 07 868 6504.
