It's all go for the gala

A whole heap of fun, face-painting, food and music is on the menu for the annual St Francis Xavier Catholic School gala on Saturday.

The gala is one of the few final events in Whangarei's Endless Summer Festival programme and kicks off at 9.30am at the school grounds in Percy St, Whangarei. Festivities are expected to run to 2pm.

An auction of donated goods and services will start at 10.30am and local singers, dancers and musicians will entertain the crowds throughout the day.

Gala spokesperson Kay Kirwan says the gala will offer traditional "fairground favourites" such as horse rides, candy floss and toffee apples, providing a great day out for families.

Kids' activities new to the gala this year will include pole jousting, paintball fun and a soccer skill challenge.

Favourites such as mini hotrods, vertical bungy, mini golf, coconut shy, the Chipmunks giant bouncy slide and the huge inflatable volcano run will also be returning.

Food, drink and goods on sale will include sweets, plants, cakes, used clothing, white elephant goods, toys, books, toffee apples, candy floss, ice blocks, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, coffee, curry and the ever-popular hangi.

On sale again will be a range of funky crafts, which proved a big hit with visitors last year.

Principal Craig McKernan says funds raised make a vital contribution to the school.

"Among other things, the money raised from past galas has helped to fund computer resources for the children and build a new senior school playground," he says.

"Given the current economic climate, we are delighted to have so many of our past sponsors helping us out once again. We really appreciate their support, and that of our whole school community, who have generously donated their time and services."

- © Fairfax NZ News