Silly season starts with picnics and park fun

Dylan (left), 7, Thomas, 8, Steven and Faye McCausland enjoying the fine weather at Christmas in the Park. Photo / Rebecca Savory

The McCausland family raced along to the start of Christmas in the Park to enjoy a few hours of entertainment before the rain set in.

They ventured in from their Katikati home on Saturday for a festive night out before Christmas.

It was their first time at the local Christmas in the Park and they were making the most of the family area. Faye McCausland said it was good to get into the spirit of the silly season and have an event they could enjoy as a family.

They had also been to the Katikati Santa Parade and were considering some other local events over summer.

Seven-year-old Dylan McCausland was looking forward to Christmas Day when he could open his presents and older brother Thomas, 8, was counting the sleeps. Both boys were excited to be at Christmas in the Park and the giant inflatable slide was a stand-out highlight.

"It's fun," they agreed.

Hundreds of families came through the gates of Blake Park on Saturday, making the most of an easy dinner for the kids from the food stalls and others did some last-minute Christmas shopping at the market stalls.

The free photos with Santa were a hit, as well as the skateboard demo, inflatable slide and face painting in the dedicated kids' zone.

The grass area in front of the stage made for the perfect location for a picnic. Rebecca Savory