Katikati will light up with a new, free, family-friendly event next month as Spark in the Park comes to life on November 6 at Moore Park from 5pm to 9pm.

Hosted by Katch Katikati, the event will offer an evening of free family entertainment that includes an outdoor movie and a fireworks display plus food trucks selling delicious cuisines and beverages, and stalls offering event accessories such as glow sticks.

Katch Katikati promotions manager Jacqui Knight said the whole community is invited to come along for the town’s first free and accessible fireworks event.

Katikati is about to enjoy its first free and accessible fireworks display on on November 6 at Moore Park from 5pm to 9pm. Photo / File

Spark in the Park will transform Moore Park into a hub of fun from 5pm. There will be a free outdoor movie on a big screen, delicious food for sale at on-site food trucks, and stalls selling event accessories such as glow sticks.

“Whether families choose to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed evening on the grass or make a night of it with dinner from the incredible selection of food trucks, there will be something for every age and budget,” Knight said.

She encouraged event-goers to arrive at 5pm – with the outdoor screening of Despicable Me 4 beginning in daylight, thanks to an LED screen set up by Vivid Productions of Tauranga.

“The screen will be placed on the back of a truck supplied by Tanners Spraying Ltd,” Knight said.

“For fireworks, we need it to be dark – so the movie will play first. We didn’t want a music act because in a month’s time we have Christmas in the Park.”

Knight said the evening will finish with a professionally managed fireworks display by Van Tiel Pyrotechnics, delivering colour, light and excitement across the night sky.

Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Katikati Red Cross will be on-site for safety reasons.

Katch Katikati said the event was designed with a strong family focus and aims to provide a safe, welcoming environment where the community can come together and celebrate. As such, BYO alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Knight said her team had come up with the event from community feedback on social media.

“Last year around Guy Fawkes [time] there was a post on one of the Katikati Facebook pages asking our community what they thought: should there be public displays or should they be banned? There was an overwhelming response that public sales of fireworks should be banned, and the town has a public display instead.

“I thought, ‘Well, why not? That’s a good idea. Let’s do one’. We haven’t had one in Katikati before and it will be fun!”

Knight’s team had worked with Katikati A&P Show Society, who had booked the food trucks and vendor stalls. One stall would be run by youth from Katikati Community-Led Development (KKCLD) selling glow sticks.

Katikati nine-year-old JD Kruger can’t wait for Spark in the Park! Photo / Merle Cave

“The A&P Society are managing that part of the event as a fundraiser for their show in February.”

Knight said the free event was funded by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, BeeNZ, Beacon Engineering Katikati, Hume & Growers Community Fund, Shot Darts and Tanner Spraying Ltd.

“If it hadn’t been sponsored by our two corporate sponsors, BeeNZ and Beacon Engineering Katikati, it wouldn’t have got off the ground,” Knight said. “Fireworks is an expensive event.”

Knight said Katch Katikati had launched Spark in the Park early on social media and via other channels since to notify the community early. A flyer drop through the township will happen soon.

“There has overwhelmingly been a very positive response to the event. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been understanding of the notice period and think the event will be great, and most are in support of banning public fireworks sales,” Knight said.

“So, gather your whānau, bring your picnic blankets, chairs and get ready!”