David Trim says Christmas at the Park is about uniting communities. The event's organiser chats to Mark Story
What was behind the decision to stage the event in Hastings this year?
Both councils wished to help with the already established and professionally produced Christmas event (Christmas at the Park in Anderson Park) and together help finance this, as these events are very expensive to produce individually. Christmas at the Park has been professionally produced for the past 9 years by the Kaisen Trust, and it was part of the vision to create a Hawke's Bay Christmas event. Next year it is anticipated that it would be in Napier and then back to Hastings the following year.
How did you become involved with the event?
I was originally asked to organise the event, (it's been in existence for 16 years) that lead to the Kaisen Trust owning the event in order to grow and expand it. This is my 10th Year this year as organiser/manager.
Avalanche City is quite the coup. How did you manage to attract them?
Finding the right band is a tricky thing for this event, as we attract a wide range of age groups. Artists that appease a wide age group really like this kind of event and I think Avalanche City saw it as a great fit for them. We have a great reputation with New Zealand artists now, and so less persuading is involved these days, it's more about connecting calendars.
Tell us a bit about what to expect tonight.
Tonight at the A and P Showgrounds will be the best value family entertainment event of the year. With free to enter and free children's entertainment including face painting and confidence courses. Fantastic world class 4.5 hours of entertainment on stage with the option to experience the Mahons Amusements and carnival and enter the Fiesta of Lights once the stage closes for the night. The fireworks display is a unique and signature of the Christmas at the Park experience. It is set to a narration and music while the fireworks creates visuals of the narration in the sky. Santa will also pop in to see the children.