After attracting over 1,200 people in Cambridge, the Te Awa River Ride Light Night event is coming to Ngaaruawaahia this Saturday 27 July.
Set to light up the Te Awa trail, the event aims to bring the community together to experience the popular trail in a completely unique way.
“It was always our intention to run other events along the Te Awa network and Ngaaruawaahia is the best location as the start (or finish) town of the Te Awa River Ride,” says Sarah Ulmer, Trail Manager at Te Awa River Ride.
“We hope the Ngaruawahia community come out after dark and enjoy the atmosphere while strengthening their awareness and connection to the river and the environment.”
Putting important Matariki principles into practice, the Light Night event aims to bring friends, whaanau and the community together by facilitating a shared kai, hot chocolate, live music, and an after party at Durham Street Precinct.
With support from a range of people and organisations, including funding from Waikato District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme, the event is completely free of charge.
“The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a fund aimed to support art activities that celebrate the uniqueness of the Waikato district, its cultural traditions and diversity, including Toi Maaori,” says Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church.
With the goal of increasing participation from the local community in the arts sector, Mayor Jacqui says Waikato District Council is proud to have been involved in the Light Night event and is looking forward to seeing the community enjoy the local area.
“CCS funding is about to open for new applicants, so if you’re interested in gaining support for a specific project, visit the Waikato District Council website to learn more about CCS benefits and the application process.”
Other champions of the event include the Community House, Community Board members, the Durham Street Precinct, and Ngaaruawaahia Community Board along with WEL Energy Trust.
With so much active participation from different groups within the community, make sure to bring your friends and whaanau along and experience the Te Awa River Ride in Ngaaruawaahia like never before.