Kaimai School is hosting its annual gala and Ag day tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, from 9am-12pm, featuring a range of exhibits for everyone to enjoy via free entry.

As a small school, fundraisers were crucial, and every dollar from this event would go straight back to Kaimai School for things that make school life richer – such as sports gear, choir costumes, classroom and library resources, and memorable learning experiences, said PTA secretary Lianne Skellon-Storey.

“Ag Day is about bringing our rural community together and celebrating our kids,” said Skellon-Storey, who reckoned students had spent weeks preparing exhibits during class time and caring for their animals at home prior to the event.

The day would include a barbecue, games and entertainment such as animal judging of calves, lambs and chickens, a preschool pet parade, bouncy castle, lawn games, scavenger hunt, bake sale, Granny Jane jars (jar filled with goodies to sell), and a student art exhibition.

Kaimai School students Olivia Skellon-Storey, 7, with lamb Daisy, Matilda Skellon-Storey, 9, with lamb Zoey and Elodie Skellon-Storey, 7, with lamb Cotton. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

Skellon-Storey said a favourite part of the event for parents was seeing months of care and training pay off when their children presented their animals and artwork. “The pride on their faces says it all.”

Kaimai School had run its Ag Day for more than 40 years – and this time would be a good chance to meet and welcome the new principal Matthew Jackson, said Skellon-Storey.

“We’ve also expanded our stalls with more vendors than ever before, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

“The gala day is just a fun day for the school and wider community, a chance to get together and celebrate the hard work of the children and showcase the best of our rural community.

“The support we receive helps us provide extras that make a big difference for our Kaimai kids.”

Kaimai School student Matilda Skellon-Storey, 9, feeding lamb Zoey. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

Skellon-Storey said the event gained a lot of support from local families who volunteered their efforts and local businesses which got involved as stallholders or provided donations for raffles.

Homemade preserves, plants, local honey, homewares, baking, jewellery, locally-made skincare products would be for sale, plus a coffee cart will be on-site..

Western Bay of Plenty District Council would also have a ballot box present for any last-minute votes to be cast in the Local Body Election.

Kaimai School’sl gala and Ag day is 9am-12pm Saturday, October 11. Entry is free.