SANTA is coming to town as part of a full programme of wild and exciting experiences and activities for kids at the annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees.
“The Wildsfees is one of the only festivals in South Africa to cater for the whole family, and this year we will be bringing Santa and his helpers to the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees,” said festival director Jenni Honsbein.
“Special experiences for those ‘Born to Be Wild’ include a Santa’s Secret Winter Workshop for kids, themed Wild West pony rides, pedal go-karts, paintball, and a chance to meet and greet all your favourite cartoon characters,” she says.
Entrance to the Santa’s Secret Winter Workshop for the young and young at heart is R10.
This includes a free cupcake and a gingerbread man made using a recipe brought from Germany more than 100 years ago.
Santa and his busy elves will be in their workshop. To get there, all that children of all ages need to do is to step through the magic cupboard and follow the snow tunnel into Santa’s workshop.
Kids will be able to decorate their own gingerbread biscuits made specially using a secret traditional recipe.
Outdoors fun for kids includes Western-themed Mini Wild Wild West Pony rides at R20 per person per ride.
Children need to weigh 60kg or less to ride the ponies, Zeus, Lightning, Cinnamon and Just Jane.
There will also be a packed programme for kids in the Coca-Cola Fun Zone.
This will include demonstrations of rhythmic gymnastics by Psyko Souljahz Kids, a yo-yo competition, the Coca-Cola soccer challenge, a kids’ game show with funnyman Roland Gaspar, drumming demonstrations and workshops, and juggling demonstrations and workshops.
The young and young at heart can also meet and have their photos taken with some of their favourite cartoon characters, who will be found at different times of the day in the Coca-Cola Fun Zone, as well as the Vodacom Amphitheatre.
Characters who will be spending the weekend in the Sundays River Valley include Lollos en Lettie, the four Paw Patrollers, Marshall, Skye, Everest and Chase, Olaf, Barney and friends, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, and the Three Minions.
Lollos en Lettie will also be one of the headline acts on the giant Adventure Province stage to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the start of the popular television show.
Budding chefs will have the opportunity to participate in a cupcake decorating competition at the ATKV “Koek op die Stoep” expo on the Saturday. There will be SPAR vouchers and other prizes.
This year’s SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees takes place from Friday, June 29 until Sunday, July 1. Gates will open from 09:00 and festinos can party late into the night.
