I enjoyed this year's programme, which to me was more cabaret. I knew most of the songs, and the musical shows they were from.
Many of the performers I know too as they've been entertaining us for many years.
That's my point. I enjoyed the concert very much but what about the many families and parents who were there with their children.
I wonder if they know any of the musicals the songs were from. I asked a few younger parents if they enjoyed the concert and the responses were mixed.
The families loved the lakeside venue and the fireworks got the "big thumbs up" but the concert itself didn't seem to "do it for them".
One mother said she felt the concert was used to showcase performers who are already well known and recognised. She would have liked to see younger artists that she could relate to.
It must be incredibly difficult to put together a concert that has something for everyone.
How do you cater to all tastes. Probably you never will.
We are all so different in our choice of music and entertainment. The concert is promoted as a family affair so I hope a survey will be conducted with families who attended to provide the organisers with thoughts and ideas for future concerts.
What they might like to see included. It could be younger artists or perhaps a better mix of performers - some already established and some just emerging. Get that feedback in as soon as possible for consideration as planning gets under way for next year's event.
And to the large number of police officers present at the concert, a big thank you. They made a real show of force on Saturday night.
They seemed to be everywhere, particularly mingling at the back with the large crowd.
Far from being off-putting, it was reassuring to see them in town and at the concert. It appeared that every police officer in the district was on duty. They did a great job.
I took the opportunity to speak to a few and they seemed pleased with the crowd's behaviour and how things rolled out. Hats off to the officer and his female colleague who, as soon as they saw an incident that had the potential to turn ugly, swooped.
They dropped their bicycles, yes bicycles, and within 10 seconds a young man was virtually lifted off the ground, with his arms pinned behind his back. His night was over and at least he had the presence of mind to stop struggling.
It was sobering to see two officers head straight into the fray. They didn't hesitate. I know they're trained and it's what they do. But someone might have been carrying a weapon.
Someone might be spoiling to take out a police officer.
Our police do get a hard time, and, as in all jobs, there will be some who probably shouldn't be in the force in the first place, but when there's trouble, I'm glad they're around. I wouldn't want their job for quids.
-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
