What's On: Weekend Events Guide

Friday, Dec 10: Artist Barry Dab will host a floor talk at the Rotorua Museum of Art and History on Cascade, a painting by  18th century artist William Hodges. Hodges accompanied  James Cook on the HMS Resolution on Cook's second voyage to New Zealand. At Dusky Sound, Hodges painted a Maori family in front of a cascading waterfall which has influenced  artists  for generations. The talk will be from 5.30pm-6.30pm and entry is free. Call (07) 350 1814.
Friday, Dec 10: The Mokoia School Band will perform at the Rotorua City Focus from 12pm-2pm as part of their Alternative Education Week. Contact Pete Hobdell 0274 777 713.
Saturday, Dec 11: AMMJAZZ Dance Studio will perform a wide range of dance styles, including jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary theatre and hip hop. The evening show is called Monopoly and will be at the Rotorua Civic Theatre from 1.30pm. Admission for adults $28 and children $18. A $2 surcharge will be added for credit card payments. Phone (07) 350 2244.
Saturday, Dec 11: Superstocks, stockcars and saloons will be taking to the speedway track from 7pm-10.30pm. The House of Travel Superstocks and Stockcars event will be at  SG Equipment Paradise Valley Raceway. Adults $15, family $40 and children $10. Contact Sonja Hickey on 021 703 731.
Saturday, Dec 11-Sunday, Dec 12: In celebrating their 50th jubilee year, the Rotorua District Choir will perform their final concert for 2010 at St Luke's Church from 7.30pm-9.30pm on Saturday and 2pm-4pm on Sunday. A selection of carols will be sung and performances by children from Chapman College and choristers from the Rotorua Home School Association. Entry by programme is $5 each day and no charge for children. Contact Dianne Estcourt on (07) 3456 884.
Saturday, Dec 11: The annual Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo will be at the Rerewhakaaitu Domain from 8.30am-4pm. The event will feature bucking bulls and horses, international, national and local cowboys and cowgirls and live music. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Contact Maxine Te Moananui on 0211 282 071.
Saturday, Dec 11-Sunday, Dec 12: The Heritage Village Te Amorangi Museum in the Summer offers something for everyone to enjoy. Children can climb, explore and learn  about farm machinery of earlier times  and those who were once children who played on the McLaren Traction Engine in Kuirau Park years ago can now see it in live action, fully restored and running.  Held at 43-45 Robinson Avenue, Rotorua, from 10am-4pm. Cost is $5 for adults and children under 15 free. Contact Allan  or Dianne
Estcourt on 0272 853 205.
Saturday, Dec 11: The Rotorua North Rotary Club Charity Flea Market. Open every Saturday next to the playground in Kuirau Park from 7am - 1.30pm. A huge range of produce, food, goods and entertainment.

Saturday, Dec 11: The Friends of the Library Book Sale. At the old Tea Kiosk in Kuirau Park from 9am-1pm. Thousands of books at bargain prices. All proceeds to the Rotorua District Library.
Sunday, Dec 12: The Bay of Plenty Blues Club will hold their annual Christmas party with a blues quiz night and barbecue at The Belgian Bar, 1151 Arawa St, Rotorua. The event will be from 2pm-10pm. Cost is $20 which includes the barbecue meal.  Register by contacting Anita Loderus on 021 440 435.
Sunday, Dec 12: Grab some bargain presents at the Soundshell Market. Held from 9am-3pm at the Rotoura Soundshell on the Lakefront. Contact Gordon and Liz Davies on (07) 332 5782 or 027 516 3961.

Monday, Dec 13-Friday, Dec 17: The Hospice Remembrance Tree will be in the City Focus each day from 9am-4pm.  Place a card on the tree to remember a loved one.  Contact Sharon (07) 343 6591.