Fans urged to see Bay's adopted team today
It was something Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas spotted on the streets of Auckland during the last Rugby World Cup.
"Something nice and visual on the footpath to the park for people to follow - and there will be music and entertainment dotted along the way," she said.
The idea was taken up by Napier Inner City Marketing manager Zoe Barnes and she sought permission from the Napier City Council to add something a little special to the usual pavements.
The idea got the thumbs up.
It was decided to start the "walk to the wicket" at the Napier Sound Shell, as that was effectively party central for the World Cup games being staged in Hawke's Bay.
"We've got food stalls and the Twin City Stompers, along with the Whack a Wicket game so there's going to be plenty happening," Ms Barnes said.
She said when it came to laying the trail, which was set to run along Hastings St, down into Sale St and Latham St toward the great light towers of the park, it was a case of put the comfortable sneakers on, grab a sun hat, and simply get stuck in.
"You just have to step in and do it," Ms Barnes said with a smile, adding she was hoping to round up a volunteer or two yesterday.
"I'll come along and do some," Ms Dundas chipped in.
Half the great stickers read "Follow Me To McLean Park" and the other half show the dates of the matches being staged in Napier.
While the first of them were being placed down several people stopped and took a close look - one visiting couple remarking "what a great idea".
The trail will stay put for the next two weeks until the third pool match at McLean Park between the UAE and West Indies on March 15 is wrapped up.
Some of those expected to make the march will be school children from throughout the region who have been specially invited to see the game by the Cricket World Cup organisers.
About 1500 youngsters from 41 schools are expected to be at the game.
