What's On: Waipu Easter Carnival back this weekend

A D Aldara and his daughter Violet had fun at last year's Waipu Easter Carnival. Photo/John Stone

After holding several small fundraisers throughout the year Waipu School decided it was not enough.

The school, south of Whangarei, wanted to go big. And so in 2010 the first annual Waipu Easter Carnival was held.

"The carnival was a great success and has now become a major community event for Waipu as well as a fantastic fundraiser for the school," co-ordinator Kim Abbott said.

The carnival is back again on Saturday from 9am to 2pm at the Waipu Caledonian Park.

Ms Abbott said there will be a massive range of rides, activities and stalls.

New attractions this year include a virtual reality tent, a V8 race car simulator, Snowzilla - a giant slide, and an interactive arts zone for children.

"The carnival is aimed at all ages, we really want it to be a community feel and somewhere the whole family can come and spend the day together."

If punters need to refuel between the fun there are plenty of delicious treats you can get your hands on.

Fried bread, Carnival Pita, mussel fritters and fresh salads are just a sample of what's on offer.

Ms Abbott said gluten free options will be sold from the window of the Celtic Barn this year.

"Of course there will also be all the kiddies favourite treats - icecream, candy floss, popcorn and homemade lemonade."

Last year about 10,000 people attended the event.

"It has grown every year from what started as a small school gala and is now a massive day out that attracts visitors from near and far," Ms Abbott said.

"For many families, the Waipu School Easter Carnival has become an Easter tradition alongside the Easter bunny, hot cross buns and eating too much chocolate."

Ms Abbott said a key part of the carnival's success was that so many people came together to support the Waipu School children.

"Among other things, proceeds have helped fund the school bike track and shed, the adventure playground, the new sandpit area and surrounds, new computers for the computer room, plants and trees for the school property, sports equipment, iPads and other resources for all the classrooms."

Last year's carnival was very successful and the profits have already been put to good use starting the fit-out of the school's multipurpose hall.