Families from across the region are being invited to get creative, get involved and have some fun at a free Family Whānau Fun Day at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre.
The open day this weekend will bring together 15 activities for a day of hands-on arts, performances and entertainment for children, parents, carers and the "children at heart".
The event is part of Adventure in Art, a nine-day festival of free arts activities run by groups based in Stoke and organisations working from the centre.
Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows centre manager Gareth Cashin wanted to give the festival a strong family-focused finish while creating an opportunity for the wider community to experience the centre.
“We were just trying to remove any barrier to participation, so people can just come along,” he said.
Rather than asking visitors for a gold coin donation, the event will be completely free, with funding from Nelson City Council and CLM helping make the day accessible to everyone.
“It’s just all about getting people into community facilities and connecting, so creating a sense of social cohesion and building social capital,” Gareth says.
“We’ve got a wonderful facility, and we want local people to feel like it’s theirs.”
Visitors can expect a wide range of activities throughout the centre and surrounding grounds.
Twisty Twinz will provide the closing spectacle and are known for their stilt performances and acrobatic routines. They will also offer children the chance to try juggling, unicycling and other circus-style skills throughout the day.
Other activities include balloon sculpting, a bubble disco, leaf craft with Natureland Zoo, try-it-out toys from the Stoke Toy Library and art sessions run by Art Group Nelson.
Bucket drumming will take place in the car park, while Red Door Theatre will provide costumes for children to dress up in and have their photos taken.
A fire truck will also make an appearance, giving children the chance to get up close to one of the vehicles, likely to be a highlight for younger visitors.
Nelson Provincial Museum and Busy Bees from Tāhunanui will also be involved, alongside a sausage sizzle and other activities.
While most activities will be based inside the centre and in surrounding areas, including the car park and space near the café, organisers say the layout will depend on the weather.
Gareth sees the day as an opportunity to showcase local organisations and groups and highlight the activities and services they provide to the community.
“It’s hopefully going to be an all-round win,” he says.
With activities designed to appeal to children and adults alike, the event aims to provide a relaxed day out while helping local families discover what their community centre has to offer.
Family Whānau Fun Day at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre,11am to 2pm, on Sunday, 20 September.
