Covid cloud doesn’t stop Waipu Easter Carnival preparations

 

The Waipu Easter Carnival crew are pushing ahead with preparations for their popular annual event on Easter Saturday, April 3, at the Caledonian Park. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the first Covid lockdown, and while the Covid cloud still remains this year, organisers are optimistic that this year will go smoothly. “We just have to keep going and hope for the best,” says carnival coordinator Dee Field. 

“While Covid-19 restrictions are always in the back of our mind, we have to be optimistic. This is the major fundraiser for Waipu Primary School and it’s an awesome event for the wider community and visitors from further afield. We are hoping to see record crowds come to Waipu this year.” The Waipu Easter Carnival, which runs from 9am until 2pm, is in its fourteenth year and has proven to be a huge hit with locals and holidaymakers alike. Run entirely by volunteers it has grown to be one of the biggest events on the Waipu calendar. As in previous years, it is the generosity of carnival school mums, dads, grandparents, teachers, kids, and helpers from the community who will pull out all the stops to man the huge array of entertainment, food stalls and sideshows. Proceeds from the carnival will go towards improving resources and expanding opportunities like the popular Garden to Table Programme in the school.

“We want to see our children enthusiastically getting their hands dirty and learning how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food right here at the school,” says Waipu Primary School principal, Julie Turner.

Organisers say there has been a real focus this year on creating a fun village vibe, with lots of space for the community to meet up and enjoy fabulous free entertainment, delicious food, tractor rides, along with many games on offer from just $1, and of course grab a bargain or two at the white elephant stall. Entry to the carnival will be by koha (donation) only.

Planning is fast coming together, and as always local businesses have been extremely supportive. This is a golden opportunity for more major sponsors to get involved, as the organisers now prepare for what is going to be the school’s biggest fundraising effort to date.

They are also keen to find locals who might like to volunteer to help out for a few hours on Easter weekend. The carnival team promise it will be a fun way to meet new people and get involved in the community.

“Waipu Easter Carnival is one of the last events on the summer calendar and we are really aiming to capture the essence of summer holidays and relaxed family fun. It’s shaping up to be a great day at Caledonian Park.”

Volunteer or sponsorship enquiries to waipucarnival@gmail.com. More information on this year’s carnival can be found at waipucarnival.com or by searching on Facebook.

The Waipu Easter Carnival is a fitting social end to the warmer months.