Birds, bats and the river

The Waikato Show promises to be a show with a difference.

Waikato Environmental organisations will join forces to celebrate, educate and raise awareness of positive guardianship of the region, with a particular focus on the Waikato River, wetlands and inner city native bush.

The Waikato Environment Centre, Landcare Trust, Waikato Biodiversity Forum, Forest and Bird Waikato and Hamilton Junior Naturalists, in conjunction with Arts Waikato, are among more than 16 organisations presenting a diverse range of activities, talks, walks and competitions designed to engage every age at the Waikato Show event from April 27-29 at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton.

The environmental well-being of the Waikato, feature of the inaugural Waikato Show, promises to be a sensory experience of bird calls, live fish and an urban design garden competition.

The many interactive and educational activities will occupy an exhibition hall.

The attractions includes hourly walks and talks through nearby Jubilee Park, the chance to add to a massive eel with Arts Waikato and a chance to enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee and listen to a speaker while the children are artfully occupied.

More than 70 Waikato community and business organisations are gearing up for the show, which will showcase music stages, a wide range of ethnic foods, animals for petting, riding and watching in action, talks, health, wellness and business expos and a gold coin donation antique road show.

The programme includes barber shop choirs, bands and dance groups, including the popular Funky Monkeys, competitions, plenty of outdoor action for mums and dads (as well as kids) a corporate civil defence 'Get Ready Get Thru' challenge, remote control helicopter skill tests, building competitions, the Mounted Equestrian Games, and Alf's Army's Pacifist war games for kids of all ages.

The Waikato Show is to be an annual celebration of the region's dynamic and diverse character.

INFORMATION

When: Friday, April 27, noon-8pm; Saturday, April 28, 10-8pm; Sunday, April 29, 10-4pm.

Where: Claudelands Events Centre Hamilton.

Cost: Entry $5 with no charge for children under 5. Free parking.