Lions re-ignite Masterton fireworks show

BLAZE OF COLOUR: Fireworks at the Masterton Host Waipoua Lions Fireworks Display last year. PHOTO/STEWART WATSON

Fireworks will light the sky above Solway Showgrounds on November 5 thanks to the Masterton Host Waipoua Lions Club, who have been putting on the family-friendly display for more than 20 years.

The event will have live bands, sideshows and stalls and will kick off at 6.30pm, with the fireworks display sparking up once it is dark.

Entry is $5 for adults, $2 for children over 5, and those under 5 get in free.

The money raised will go towards Henley Lake children's playground, which was built by Masterton Host Waipoua Lions Club 12 years ago and is in need of a spruce-up.

Club president Jack Hayes said Masterton Host Waipoua had been putting on the display for more than two decades.

"It was formerly at Henley Lake and it's been at Solway for the last 10 years. But we're trying to establish when we first ran it, which was a long time ago."

He said the display had originally been put on by the Masterton Borough Council so children could see a good show of fireworks in a safe environment.

District Governor of Lions District 202M, Nalini Bhaskar, will be on the gates and will give a talk before introducing Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson, who will open the show.

Mrs Bhaskar oversees Lions clubs stretching from Wairoa in Hawke's Bay down the east coast to Wellington, and up the west coast to Levin.

"I want to participate in the local club and get to know the Masterton community.

"It's important to me that I'm involved in the activities going on. It's a big thing for the club - what they're doing for the community.

"It takes man hours to do all the planning, and then there's health and safety," she said.

"It will be a fun night for everyone who attends and it will be a place where friends can meet."