Families swell record racing crowd

Thornton Smart (left), 6, and Elizabeth Manheart, 8, were among the young punters at Arawa Park. Photo / Stephen Parker

A record number of people flocked to the Rotorua Races yesterday, with 4500 turning up to catch the action.

Previous attendance records were broken and sunnies, hats and sun block became the dress essentials for the day with clear skies and warm temperatures.

People swarmed in to the grounds soon after the gates for the popular Summer Festival Raceday opened at 11am.

Rotorua Race Club general manager Damien Radesic said the day was humming with the big crowd at the Arawa Park racecourse

"We've had a record number of people on course and a lot more families this year. It's been a really good family day out. The day has been buzzing - it's been absolutely brilliant and everyone's happy."

The Interislander Summer Festival had a fun and casual atmosphere where families could bring deck chairs, umbrellas, and picnics to enjoy a classic Kiwi summer's day, with great food, free entertainment for kids and live music.

There was something on-course for everyone to enjoy. Children and families were kept amused with sack races, tug-of-war, a bouncy castle, and lots of entertainment.

The next race day is on January 8 and with free entry it is expected to be another family fun day.