Crowds pack out Easter in the Park

Amy Illingworth with her daughters (from left) Olive, 4, Gussie, 2, and Grae, 1, enjoy Easter in the Park. Photo / Rebecca Savory

People packed the streets of Mount Maunganui yesterday, celebrating a sunny Easter Sunday. Some were at the beach or were among the 10,000 people expected at Easter in the Park.

Mount Mosaic Church hosts the event which is in its fourth year at Coronation Park.

Kids ran around with fresh face paint and made the most of the bouncy castles, slides and mechanical bull rides.

Parents enjoyed the live music and entertainment throughout the day and free food.

Pastor Joel Milgat said the event was a way to remind people about the story of Jesus and the real meaning of Easter.

"For us, it's a way to celebrate the story of Easter and that's about Jesus being generous to us and this is a way for us to be generous to our community."

The crowds had reached about 7000 people in the past but judging by the busy morning, he was expecting 10,000 this year.

"It's here for people to enjoy so it's great to see them out enjoying it," Mr Milgat said.

About 150 volunteers were helping out on the day and a number of local businesses had come on board to support the event.

Julia Willis, dressed as an Easter princess, handed out lollies and posed for photos with the children.

"Everyone is just loving it and I'm pretty impressed by what our church has done," she said. "It's giving everyone the chance to experience Easter."

Amy Illingworth took her three daughters along to spend some time as a family during the long weekend.

It was their first time at Easter in the Park but they were loving the live music and the handy location.

"It's Easter so it's nice to do things with the family," Mrs Illingworth said.

The family planned to finish the day with an Easter egg hunt.