Crowds enjoy the show at The Kids Day Out. Photo / George Novak
Crowds enjoy the show at The Kids Day Out. Photo / George Novak
Pato Alvarez organises some of New Zealand's biggest festivals but A Kids Day Out is still one of his favourites.
Alvarez from Pato Entertainment estimated at least 4500 people turned out to enjoy the star-studded event on Saturdayat Mount Maunganui's Soper Reserve.
Paw Patrol takes a stroll at The Kids Day Out. Photo / George Novak
The audience was treated to performances from Kiwi musicians Stan Walker and General Fiyah, Kiwi comedian and Tik Tok star Jimi Jackson, DJ Cory the Barber as well as appearances from Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Shimmer and Shine and Baby Shark.
Image 1 of 11: Kids Day Out
08 March 2020 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak
Entry was by gold coin donation, with money raised being donated to Youthline, an organisation that works with young people, their families and those supporting young people to ensure they know where to get help and can access support whenever they need it.
Peppa Pig was among the stars at The Kids Day Out in Mount Maunganui this weekend. Photo / George Novak
It is also an organisation that performer Stan Walker is involved with.
"Youthline helps kids through hard times and struggling with mental health. This charity is dear to my heart as it is important to raise awareness around suicide and mental health and assist the charities that help our children through this."
Alvarez said just more than $9055 was raised, which meant if people paid $1 or $2 at entry more than 4500 people came through the gates.
The event - with competitions and prizes throughout the day, along with free sausage sizzles, lollies, candy floss, drinks and bouncy castles - was a good way to celebrate the end of the summer festival season and to give back to the Tauranga community, he said.
"It is about giving back to the community, our children. They are our future.
Crowds enjoy the show at The Kids Day Out. Photo / George Novak
"It is so humbling to be able to organise this event for everyone. The amount of love we receive from sponsorship to volunteers is overwhelming. [It's] one of my favourite events of the summer," he said.
At the event, bouncy castles of all sizes lined the fence line of Soper Reserve, families set themselves up with picnic blankets, chairs and snacks enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere while people of all ages packed themselves in front of the stage to enjoy the performances.
Jimi Jackson was very popular among Tik Tok users, with children of all ages lining up for the chance to meet and take photos and videos with the social media star, with more than 690,000 followers and 18.7 million likes on the video-sharing app.
Walker closed the event, bringing young fans on to the stage for the final song of his set - Aotearoa, with fans in the crowd also singing along.
