By Roger Childs
It was a fantastic family fun day in support of a good cause. Kapiti Mary Potter Hospice Administrator, Debra Minty
The sunshine brings out the people
The good spell of weather lasted into the weekend which was great news for the Mary Potter Hospice. The takings are still being counted, but the total is likely to be a record, about $20,000.
Locals turned out in the thousands for the fund raiser at Paraparaumu Beach. The festival takes its name from the strawberries and ice cream on sale and these sold briskly for $5 a plate from two hubs
- at McLean Park
- in McLean Street.
The enthusiastic work of over 70 volunteers, resplendent in their red and white T shirts, was a key factor in the success of the day.
Fairground atmosphere in Paraparaumu Beach
This year the festival was based on the grassy circles at the end of MacLean St and the main business area was closed off to vehicles. This allowed about 30 stall holders to parade their wares and local shops reported good business.
To assist with the safe management of the crowds, traffic on Marine Parade was controlled, and this permitted a free flow of people from the shops across to the park area.
Plenty of entertainment and retail activity
There was non-stop music from 9.00am to 4.00pm on the big grassy circle by the beach and this was an ideal venue for spectators. The entertainment was enthusiastically received and included
- singers
- dancers
- drummers
- acrobats
- bands.
After eating their strawberries and ice cream, children were able to take advantage of bouncy castles, face painting and horse rides.
Cake and plant stalls as well as businesses down McLean St, provided plenty of options for people with some loose change.
Keeping the hospice’s services free
The Mary Potter Hospice is grateful for the generous support provided by local businesses and the people of Kapiti.
PAK’nSAVE supplied all the strawberries and ice cream, and sponsorship was also provided by the Kapiti News, Strawberry Growers and The Dominion Post.
The funds raised last Saturday will be a big help in ensuring that the hospice’s services, for people from Peka Peka to Paekakariki, remain free of charge.
Wellington and Porirua have their strawberry festivals on Wednesday 27 November and Saturday 30 November respectively.