(PR.co.nz) The annual Heathcote River Day, with its home-made rafts and all sorts of non-motorised watercraft racing to the finish, will be held on Sunday 21 March.
This year more prizes are being offered as the popular community event has attracted more sponsors, namely Clip’n’Climb and Adrenaline Forest.
The raft race begins at 1pm (registration from 12noon – 12.45pm) and the post-event entertainment including music, free sausage sizzle, giant games and prizes will be held at the St Martins Scout Den, 297 Centaurus Road.
Last year 93 participants on 23 rafts took part, garnering very positive feedback for the event which is organised by Christchurch City Council’s Recreation and Sports Unit and supported by the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board.
“The support of all the many sponsors have enabled us to produce a quality, safe and family-oriented festival and continue our long-time tradition of offering these types of activities free to families and children,’’ says John Filsell, Manager Recreation and Sports. “The Heathcote River race is a great family festival and celebration of community pride and one of the many events that makes Christchurch a great community in which to live, work and play.”
There will be spot prizes for the design and decoration of the craft, fair play, loudest craft and best dressed participants. A variety of crafts have taken to the water in the past years, including the traditional canoe or kayak, rafts made of tyres, to some very unique designs including a craft designed as a race car. People also take the opportunity to dress up. Pirates on the Heathcote have been known to take contestants on.
Race Information Packs are available from the Beckenham Service Centre/South Christchurch Library, 66 Colombo St. Registration is FREE for all participants.
Time: Registration is on the day from 12-12.45pm. Raft Race starts 1pm
Venue/ Start Point: Heathcote River jetty opposite Waltham Lido Swimming Pool. Cnr Waltham Rd & Fifield Tce
Finish Point: near Hansen Park, followed by post-event function at St Martins Scout Den.
Media Release 15 March 2010 from Christchurch City Council.