Acts and events line up to celebrate anniversary

BY CARALISE MOORE

A smorgasbord of events is on throughout Rodney on Auckland Anniversary Weekend.

The 37th Auckland Folk Festival at the Kumeu Showgrounds from Saturday to Monday includes international artists, concerts, workshops, dancers and children's entertainment.

Information, visit www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz.

Music Mountain Matakana hosts the 2010 Bush Party on Saturday with a line up of reggae, dub, blues and DJ acts. Katchafire headlines. Other artists include Rhombus, Opensouls, Mad Professor and DJs Dub Asylum, Koa Williams, Julian Dyne, Isaac Aesili and DJ Automatic.

The party lasts 12 hours, starting at noon. Tickets $99 at the gate, children under 12 are free. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Music Mountain is donating money from 250 tickets to the Unicef Children of Haiti appeal. Tickets can also be bought at the gate, and all proceeds will go directly to the appeal.

Information, visit www.musicmountainmatakana.co.nz.

On Sunday afternoon enjoy jazz at Coopers Creek Vineyard in Huapai. Band Carolina Moon Jazz Group perform from 1pm to 4pm with admission free. Platters available, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, but strictly no BYO.

Call (09) 412-8560 to check for changes or cancellation.

The Mahurangi Regatta starts from Sullivans Bay on Friday with a night race. On Saturday the regatta resumes from 9am, beginning with small boats. Shoreside events start at 11am, with more events continuing through Sunday.

Information, visit www.mahurangi.org.nz.

The Hibiscus Rodders Grande Car Parade and Show starts from the Western Reserve in Orewa on Saturday. About 300 cars are expected to do the short drive to the Orewa Beach Reserve at 11am.

Entertainment includes rock 'n' roll, children's rides, displays and a line-up of impressive cars.

All pre-1975 cars welcome, and any American originals, along with United Kingdom and United States bikes. Car entry is at the Western Reserve with breakfast available from 8.30am to 10.30am.

Information, contact Sharon Morris, phone 415-5693 or email smorris@vodafone.co.nz.

Model aeroplane displays feature in Rotors over the Shore at the North Shore Model Aero Club in Dairy Flat. The event on Saturday and Sunday includes fun competitions, heli-drag racing, test flying model helicopters and plenty to eat.

Historic Mataia Homestead and gardens in Glorit will be open and visitors can enjoy a Devonshire tea after exploring the homestead. The homestead and surrounding farmland has been in the Gardner family for more than 150 years.

Entry is free and picnics are welcome at the house at 2791 Kaipara Coast Highway, Glorit, open Saturday and Sunday.

Information, phone (09) 420-5312, or visit www.mataia.co.nz.

On the same highway closer to Kaukapakapa there's a Teddy Bears Picnic at Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens, 1481 SH16, 9am-4pm. Children who bring their teddy bear get free entry to the gardens if they bring two adults with them.

Information, phone (09) 420-5655.

- © Fairfax NZ News