Saturday 10^th March 12:00-6:00pm

Tickets: $25 Adult, Under 18 $10, Under 5 Free Available from Ticket Direct www.ticketdirect.co.nz  or Paper Plus stores at Te Puke, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Fraser-Cove, Rotorua, Whakatane, Opotiki. Also  available at Maketu Landing.

Historically Maketu is of great significance, in its past, it has been the landing place of the Arawa canoe, a major population centre, a trading port and, at times, a battle-zone. However on 10^th March 2012 the tiny seaside settlement will showcase the event which is fast making its mark on New Zealand’s  calendar of events;  The Annual Maketu Rotary Kaimoana Festival.

Now in its fifth year the festival held on the Maketu Sports grounds from 12noon till 6pm, is a celebration of people, place and culture.

Seafood served will be in both traditional and contemporary styles with vendors vying to serve up the most fabulous variety of mussel, whitebait, paua, prawns, scallops  and oysters served natural, or as sushi, kebabs, pizza’s and chowders. These will be complemented by fine wines and beers which can also be purchased. Personal alcohol will not be allowed onto the venue.

The popularity of cooking demonstrations in previous years has meant that special emphasis will be placed on demonstrations by this year’s local celebrity chef Peter Blakeway.

Festival co-ordinator Julie Crossley says tickets sell fast and with the confirmation of the ‘The Madsen's Superstar Show’ (Tribute to the Eagles, Bee Gees and Beatles) as part of the entertainment line-up this has raised the profile of the festival and is attracting an even wider audience than previous years.  

Other entertainment includes popular local bands ‘Jumpstart’, ‘Captain Who’ and Hurricane Tilly, also Troupe Waihi, kapa haka groups and other local entertainment to keep the crowd entertained between acts including a plane flyover.

Helicopter rides will enable participators to enjoy the spectacular Bay of Plenty vistas and local arts and crafts will also be on show and for sale.  The public are encouraged to bring seating, picnic blankets and sun umbrellas.

All proceeds are used to support local volunteer groups including  Maketu School, Fire Brigade, Surf Rescue, Coastguard, and Surf Life-Saving Club.