Wet weather and the petrol crisis failed to deter families who turned up in numbers for the 2022 Rotaract Christmas in the Park event on Wednesday night.

The annual event held at the National Auditorium attracted over 1500 people.

Rotaract Rarotonga president Byron Brown was pleased with the turnout given the wet weather conditions and the ongoing petrol crisis. The island ran out of petrol on Tuesday.

“The turnout was quite good despite the weather conditions, the weather held out during the event, and it didn’t really affect the event because the activities and performances were held indoors. We also managed to have fireworks and just when everything concluded, it bucketed down,” Brown said.

The gates opened at 5pm alongside the childrens’ activities which included face painting, bouncy castles, kids’ games, Japanese community-organised activities, a colouring corner and the favourite, Santa Claus, who was available for pictures. Vendors also sold local delicacies and beverages.

Entertainment items began at 6pm and included performances from singer Jerome Pare, Akauka Time (dance), the Filipino Community dance and choir, Ohiva and Kiana (song), Nicolea Mateariki (dance), Tuaine and Reeana (songs) and Korero group dance.

There was also a mascots dance-off and giveaways courtesy of CITC, who donated toys. The children also took part in a costume parade and a dance battle.

Brown said: “The aim of the Rotaract Christmas in the Park is to get families, especially kids, together to celebrate Christmas. It an annual affair and funds raised from this event will help finance Rotaract community projects for 2023.”

“There were a lot of happy children and we’re pleased to be able to put together the event with the support of our sponsors and volunteers.

“We will be meeting soon to look at the projects we can support from the money raised at the Christmas in the Park.”