Beach the place to be at Paihia

DIG IT: Sand sculptors Natalya Short and mother Jacqueline Short from Tokoroa ride Henry the horse during last year's sandcastle competition. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF

Paihia's annual Summer Festival begins on Sunday with a week of free family events starting with the traditional sandcastle competition.

Other attractions at the Business Paihia-organised festival include old-fashioned races, a fishing contest, pavement art, a mystery trail, wearable arts and a beach dig.

New this year is a junk sculpture challenge at Horotutu, Paihia's community-built waterfront park.

Sunday, January 5

Sandcastle competition, Paihia Beach (Kings Rd end), judging from 4.30pm. Open to all ages.

Monday, January 6

Monster mural painting, 10am, Paihia Post Office Mall. All materials supplied. Wear old clothes and bring an adult.

Junk sculpture competition, 3pm, Horotutu Park. Create a sea-themed sculpture using recycled junk. Bring any junk you have lying around such as old boxes and milk bottles.

Tuesday, January 7

Fun on the green, 10am, Village Green. Old-fashioned challenges including sack, three-legged, wheelbarrow, egg and spoon races.

Street-smart funky art pavement drawing, 12.30pm, Paihia Post Office Mall. Judged by photographer Frank Habicht.

Wednesday, January 8

Wearable arts, 10am, Paihia School Marae. All materials supplied, kids of all ages welcome.

Amazing race, 4pm, meet at Horotutu Park. Follow clues and challenges to complete a fun race as a pair or group. Kids need adult supervision.

Thursday, January 9

Kids fishing competition, Paihia Wharf, register at Paihia Dive on Williams Rd from 9.30am. Fishing from 10.30-11.30am. Bring a hand line or rod and an adult, bait supplied.

Fuse Circus workshop, 4pm, Village Green. Learn everything from juggling to headstands.

Friday, January 10

Mystery trail, 10am, Waitangi Treaty Grounds main entrance. A fun and educational challenge for the family.

Flippa ball, 2pm, Haruru Falls Resort. A fun, fast and simple version of water hockey for ages 8 years and over. Bring togs, towel, water bottle, sun protection and an adult.

Saturday, January 11

Run/kayak biathlon, 9am registration, 9.30am start. Individual and team races; entrants must be 6 years and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, January 12

Beach dig and fun day, from 9am with dig for kids aged 4-10 starting at 11am. Prizes, face painting, games and barbecue.