Coca-Cola Easter Show 2012

My husband and I were excited about taking our two preschoolers to the Easter Show but hadn’t let our expectations rise too high. The start of Easter weekend in Auckland comes with the threat of traffic congestion and parking woes, and with 70,000 anticipated over the long weekend we could envision being swept away in the throngs of humanity. We packed our bags with loads of snacks and water, and set off with our amping four year old girl, and our wide-eyed two year old boy.

The rush hour was over and it wasn’t a problem getting down Puriri Drive, Cornwall Park, to the allocated parking. But it was $8, cash only, so we just parked on Puriri Drive itself. The sign said no all day parking, but no specific times were mentioned.

I’m liking

We headed straight for the Looney Tunes Live Show, Classroom Capers, which is free with ticket entry. It was a pretty crazy and entertaining musical with fabulous lyrics and energetic little dances. The performers must have been sweating it out under the giant Bugs and Tweety costumes, but they didn’t miss a beat. My four year old was mesmerised, my two year old somehow managed to sleep right through! Kids of all ages were into it, as were adults of all ages – chuckles all round. This was a highlight.
The Zirka Circus was packed but it added to the atmosphere. It was an animal free circus. Jugglers and gymnasts pulled off amazing feats of balance and coordination and the crowd gasped with delight. For the final act four glowing motorcyclists rode at speed round and round and upside down in a giant cage dome. It was true to its word – death defying!
The farm area was a hit for the kids but also for us adults! Farmer Russell and his mates, all in the classic singlets were busy on stage shearing a flock of Hamilton sheep, and had a bicycle hooked up to a shaver to demonstrating shearing by pedal power. Numbers were low so both my husband and I had a turn shearing on stage, clamping greasy wriggling but mostly obliging sheep between our ankles. It was a thrill for us city slickers, and very educational for the kids.
We also made the WotWot show – SpottyWot and DottyWot were strapped to the front of two puppeteers with a singing performer between them. Our kids joined the mob of preschool dancers up by the stage and had a great time.

Things that made me go hmmmm

Face painting was $5 per kid but was suddenly adjusted to $2 each as we started to move on because of the cost. We lingered at the edge of the carnival area, but felt somewhat stung when it cost $9.60 for our kids to go on one of those classic horsey carousels. So we shuffled off and into the comforting arms of the loitering Yogi Bear, who was more than happy to pose free for photos.
A Cookie Time carnival area was right by the circus, and the kids had a turn on the mini ferris wheel at $3.50 a pop. You can buy super tickets, which bring the cost down to $2 a ride, but the super tickets are $50. We stopped by the Canadian Bushwhackers show, which wasn’t bad if you’re into chainsaws and things, but was too slow moving for our little ones to get into.

The conclusion

Finally I checked out the Art Show. It was really impressive. It showcases all mediums and it was for sale for very reasonable prices. If I was after a fresh New Zealand artwork for my wall I would happily have paid the $25 Easter Show entry just to get to the Art Show. But aside from the carnival rides the Coca-Cola Easter Show was value for money, and a fun filled family day out. “Did you have enjoy yourselves?” I asked my kids as I strapped them into the car. “Yip!” said my two year old boy, and my four year old girl shot back “YEEHAH!”