Landlubbers join the party

By NICK SMITH

Non-boaties will be spoilt for choice this weekend, as the focus for Auckland Anniversary Day widens to include the shore as well as the sea.

Event manager Tim Kay is promising Aucklanders the biggest show in regatta history, with celebrations reaching across the Auckland isthmus.

For the first time, Counties-Manukau and Waitakere are hosting events to truly make Anniversary Day a region-wide birthday bash.

On the North Shore and Auckland City, celebrations will be based around Okahu Bay Domain and Mission Bay on the waterfront, and Woodall Park, opposite Narrowneck Beach at Devonport.

Arts and crafts at Mission Bay, music, cultural groups, special Olympics, airforce helicopters - all manner of entertainment will be on display for the special weekend at Okahu Bay.

"All up we're talking about 200 exhibitors," says Mr Kay. "It will be the biggest show we have put on for Auckland Anniversary Day.

"In the past, Anniversary Day has been an Auckland City thing.

"What we've been trying to do is to make it an Auckland region thing. It's great to finally have the whole of Auckland on board.

"Other cities, particularly Christchurch and Wellington, tend to get a lot more parochial about their city and celebrate their city," he says.

"We want an event that all Aucklanders can participate in and be proud of. It's very much a family day, with a lot of entertainment to link it in with children and families, as it should. We expect a huge turn out."

Among the highlights at Okahu Bay will be an RNZAF helicopter, jet boats, jet skis, Rod Hammell's cross-Atlantic rowing boat, land yachts, the Auckland Ultimate Players (frisbee) exhibitions, water safety displays, clay pigeon shooting, lazer sports and the TV2 Fun Bus.

Undoubtedly one of the highlights will be the London Bar Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest on Saturday night on Tamaki Drive, which will be closed for the event.

Featuring more than 100 musicians, organiser Anna Ferguson said the streetfest will bring all the excitement and atmosphere of New Orleans' Bourbon Street to Tamaki Drive, treating evening strollers to a continuous spectacle of streetside entertainment as more than 20 acts perform in the unique setting along the promenade.

Mission Bay is the ideal location because of its beautiful beach and reserve, and the excellent range of cafes and restaurants, according to Ms Ferguson.

Starting at 7 pm, the night of entertainment will become the ultimate street party, says musical director Max Purdie, who has to turn away bands wanting to play at the event.

"There's been incredible interest," says Mr Purdie, "but even though Tamaki Drive will be closed for two blocks for the Streetfest, there's simply no room for any more bands."

Bands already signed up include blues band Kokomo, Latin jazz quintet Mojave, Hamilton-based combo Steppin' Out, Mark Heke's Ponsonby Express and the Northcote College Combo.

"One of our visions for the Streetfest was to provide a showcase of New Zealand talent, giving up-and-comers the opportunity to play alongside established performers," says Mr Purdie. "We also wanted to present a diverse range of musical styles - something for everyone."

More than 50 exhibitors will set up their wares at Selwyn Domain in Mission Bay during the day, a kite display is planned for Bastion Pt, while Okahu Bay hosts a vast range of activities and demonstrations.

These include the Tristar Gymnastics, Special Olympics, the Mermaids of Paradise and the Auckland Welsh singing and dancing club, in what will no doubt be a keenly anticipated performance.

At Woodall Park in Devonport, there will be arts and crafts, helicopter and parachuting demonstrations, and children's entertainment. There will also be an outrigger festival at Narrowneck Beach.

Mr Kay said that an undoubted highlight at both Okahu Bay and Woodall Park will be the Iroquois helicopter, which will be open to the public, and the Navy providing staff to explain its many features.

"Anniversary Day is the one thing in which all Aucklanders can feel proud about," says Mr Kay. "It's our birthday and it's an opportunity for us all to participate - so let's make the most of it."