Diverse events on offer to whet the appetite

On a weekend like this, there's no excuse for saying there's nothing to do in Tauranga.

A look at the Top Five things to do in today's paper. It shows a list of riches when it comes to community events.

One of the big events is the inaugural Flavours in the Bay, organised by the Bay of Plenty Times. This is a premier food, wine and entertainment showcase on at Blake Park today.

At Maketu Sportsground, there is the Maketu Kaimoana Festival where seafood will be cooked in traditional and contemporary styles and live music will be playing.

Other events include the National Pipe Band Championships.

And tonight, there is the Baypark Speedway Caravan and Demolition Derby featuring a sacrificial Mustang car.

As Carly Gibbs' story highlights on page C3 today, it's not easy organising a community event.

It's high-risk, hard graft and, often, for fairly small return.

Whether you go for some kaimoana at the landing place of Te Arawa's canoe, the roar of bagpipes at Wharepai Domain or the fashion show at Flavours in the Bay, there are a variety of ways to enjoy your weekend in the vibrant Western Bay.

It's important we support these events so we can continue to enjoy them.