Family fun day offers new activities

Run by locals . . . Get to the Point organiser Grace McGrath shows off the event billboard ahead of Saturday’s family fun day in Pleasant Point. PHOTO: CONNOR HALEY

Still going strong at 76 years old — Pleasant Point’s Get to the Point family fun day is set to return for another year.

Rebranded in 2009, the original Pleasant Point Gymkhana began as an affordable community event back in 1947.

Organiser Grace McGrath said the roots of the event were still very much the same.

‘‘It is a very local event, it is run by locals, it has a lot of local sponsorship and a lot of locals volunteering.’’

As always there would be shearing, Highland dancing and all the other staples of the event, but this year would have a few new additions, she said.

‘‘This year we have a few new entertainment bits that we think people will enjoy.

‘‘We have the mechanical bucking bull, which I have been told was quite a highlight at a recent Pleasant Point Primary School event.

‘‘We also have Octopus Entertainment, who are doing the whole grassed kids’ entertainment area.

‘‘There will be bouncy castles, a four-way bungy trampoline, the tiny tots merry-go-round and what we would consider a lot of old school games and activities.’’

As the event had received a lot more sponsorship over the past couple of years, they had been able to make all the children’s entertainment free, Ms McGrath said.

‘‘If people want, they can enjoy a completely free day or they can pay for things in the market, for food or even for helicopter rides — everything else costs nothing.’’

The event had gone from strength to strength each year, she said.

‘‘It is just getting bigger and bigger. I think it is mainly a combination of having the free entertainment, and that has made the event a lot more accessible, and there has also been a lot more interest in people having market stalls, so that has made it grow a lot more.

‘‘We’ve just been spreading out in all directions from the centre of town.’’

It would be great for people to come down to Pleasant Point and support the event, Ms McGrath said.

‘‘It would be lovely for people all over South Canterbury and even further afield to come and support something local.

‘‘It’s a family fun day and basically free, so why wouldn’t you want to come?’’

Get to the Point takes place on Saturday (November 4), starting at 10am and wrapping up at 3pm.