Carnivals, street markets, fishing competitions, music and lots more in Bream Bay during Easter

Spectators line the shore in front of the Marsden Point Yacht Club to watch the power boat racing in the harbour last Saturday. Photos/Mike Swords

Perfect weather brought out plenty of spectators to line the banks in front of the Marsden Point Yacht Club last Saturday to enjoy the spectacle of power boats racing around Whangārei Harbour, competing in round five of the 2019 Mark Cromie Group Offshore 100. Fairview Windows took out the round, keeping their position at the top of the table as they head into the next round of racing at Doubtless Bay.

Power Boat racing winner Fairview Windows returns to the Marsden Cove marina.

Waipu school carnival

That well-loved annual Waipū community event, the Waipū Primary School Easter Carnival, is on this Saturday at Caledonian Park, 9am to 2pm, with rides, food and stalls galore.

Activities include a vertical bungy, race car simulator, bumper balls, merry-go-round, virtual reality, bouncy castles, smash alley, digger challenge, Segway obstacle course, mini hot rods, face painting, pony rides, lucky dips and nail painting – and more carnival games in the Kidzone.

Stalls include the popular cakes, white elephant, petting zoo, plants and produce, coffee, popcorn, milkshakes, lemonade, slushies, pita pockets, hot dogs and chips, mussel fritters, sausage sizzle, candy floss, pizza, snow cones, lamb on a spit, ice creams and more.

And at 12 noon, the auction kicks off – dozens of useful goods and services up for grabs, items for farmers, lifestyle blockers, gardeners and anyone planning a family holiday.

Check out the list of auction items on the carnival's Facebook page and if you can't make it on the day, place your absentee bid with Simon Couper at s.couper@xtra.co.nz or 027 684 0579.

Funds raised from the day will go towards buying STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) equipment for the school.

Waipu street market

Adding to the carnival atmosphere, Waipū Business Community's Street Market will run alongside the Waipū School Easter Carnival, so walk the main street of Waipū to check out the many stalls of art, crafts, clothing, food and enjoy the live music between 9am and 2pm.

Women's fishing competition

Also on Saturday is Waipū Cove Women's Fishing competition – register tomorrow at Waipū Cove campground (site 93) to fish on Saturday. Entry is $20, and if you are keen to fish but need a team, let them know at registration. Prizegiving and fish auction at 5pm Saturday at the camp's village green.

Music in the vines

If you're looking to relax after the bustle of the carnival, head to Te Whai Bay Wines in Mangawhai for Music in the Vines, 2.30pm-5.30pm at 367 King Rd, Mangawhai. All welcome and free entry, so kick back and relax with family and friends – bring a picnic blanket or chair and listen to the music while you sip on boutique wines and enjoy a range of food.

Market in Mangawhai

On Easter Monday, there's more shopping and fun to be had at the Mangawhai Beach and Country Market, 9am to 1pm at the Mangawhai Domain. Stalls, carboot sales, food trucks, music and kids' entertainment. Admission and parking free, dogs welcome but must be leashed.

Art n Tartan entries due

Tomorrow is the last day to get your entry in for the Art n Tartan Wearable Art Awards – so if you haven't got around to it, drop it off to the Waipū Museum now or email to artntartan@gmail.com.

Preliminary judging day is June 16, with the show scheduled for July 19 and 20, with $16,000 of prizes to be won.

At this stage, entries need only a working name for your artwork, your name and contact details together with the $25 entry fee. Entrants wanting more information can call contestant manager Mo on 027 421 8788.

Mask workshops for children start on April 28 at Waipū Primary School, with two more classes on May 5 and 19, 1pm-3.30pm. The theme for masks this year is "Canny Celtic Creatures". Check out the Art n Tartan display in the foyer of the Celtic Barn this Saturday during the Waipū Easter Carnival.

Spectator tickets will be on sale soon through Eventfinda and Waipū Museum.

Fishing tournament

Coming up next week is the Hook vs Spear Open tournament at Marsden Cove Marina. Briefing is at 6pm on Friday evening at the Marsden Cove Fishing Club. Fishing starts after the briefing and the weigh station closes at 4.30pm on April 27. Tickets are $40 for non-members, $30 for members and $10 for juniors 16 years and under.

Beauty and the Beast Opening Night
Beauty and the Beast Junior opens next Saturday at Otamatea Repertory Theatre, with shows at 2pm and 6pm. Further shows are 6pm on 3 May, 2pm and 6pm on 4 May and 2pm on 5 May. Tickets are $28 for adults, $15 for students – buy online at www.ort.org.nz or at Tony's Lotto Shop in Maungaturoto.

Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with Advocate readers.