If Lioness Jo Hurne has her way, Katikati’s memorial hall will become a sea of feathers, glitter and architectural headgear on Easter Saturday, April 4, as her club’s newest community event gets underway

Katikati Lions Club is hosting its inaugural Easter Bonnet Extravaganza – with prizes up for grabs for preschoolers through to adults who create the best Eastern bonnet creations.

“Right now we need more people- from youngsters to adults to register for the competition. We want to see as many bonnets as possible created and entered,” said Hurne.

The competition is open to everyone, with three categories. The Little Bunnies is for children aged 10 and under. First place wins $50, second $30 and third $20.

Creative Teens is for youth aged 11-17, with a single first prize of $200 up for grabs.

For adults aged 18-plus there’s the Master Makers category, with the winner taking home $300. Lastly, the category winners could take home the Katikati Lions Supreme Award with a cash prize of $400.

Fun and frivolity

Hurne said the Lions were on a mission to inject much-needed “fun and frivolity” into the heart of the town after a period where community spirits have been tested.

“We really felt the community needed something light-hearted,” Hurne said.

Katikati Lioness Jo Hurne wants all ages to register and get creating for the inaugural Easter Bonnet Extravaganza. Photo / Merle Cave

“This isn’t just about winning a prize – it’s about the joy of making something ridiculous and sharing a laugh with your neighbours.

“We want to see the most outrageous designs people can dream up.”

Hurne urged people – young and old – to register for the competition now and then get busy creating ahead of Easter Saturday, April 4.

On Easter Saturday, the Lions will have the Katikati memorial hall set up waiting for entrants to arrive with their creations.

Easter Saturday prizegiving

“From 9am to midday, the Easter Bonnet Extravaganza prizegiving promises to be a vibrant spectacle for all ages,” Hurne said.

Entrants will need to wear their creations, with three judges set to select winners. The event will feature buskers, food vendors and a coffee cart to keep the creative energy high, Hurne said.

The Lions had also issued a “creative challenge” to local businesses to get involved by either entering their own corporate-themed bonnet or by sponsoring a maker – providing youth with ribbons, sparkles and supplies needed to bring their visions to life.

“Katikati has always been a town of makers and artists,” Hurne said. “Whether you’re a professional crafter or someone who hasn’t touched a glue gun in 20 years – we want you there. It’s time to put our heads together and celebrate!”

Entry forms for the Easter Bonnet Extravaganza competition are available at The Arts Junction. Entry is a gold coin donation, and the prizegiving is free to attend.

For more information or to find out how your business can support an entrant, contact Katikati Lions via their Facebook page or phone Hurne on (027) 2911440 or email: jo66hurne@gmail.com