FUN & GAMES AT THE EINBUNPIN FESTIVAL

There’s plenty of fun and games on the cards for people who come along to Sandgate’s annual community event, the Einbunpin Festival.

For the young and the young at heart there are plenty of games to take part in throughout the afternoon – from boat races to mullet tossing and a circus tent.

“For the first time, we’ve engaged Claire’s Circus Skill to run circus workshops from 10am-12noon,” Cr Newton said.

“Local kids are encouraged to come and learn spinning poi, hula hoop tricks, juggling and plate spinning.”

Children are invited to spend time in the boat shed creating their own fish boat creations, which will be raced at noon.

The Under 5s will have their own special arts tent as well.

The mullet are back, after being specially made and designed for the Festival.  These new mullet have been specially bred and are bigger and better than ever. None of the event actually involves real animals – the mullets are made from cloth and the crab racing involves humans only! 

The Wild Bunpin Calling Competition is back.  People are encouraged to give their interpretation of what the Bunpin might sound like.  The Bunpin is a mythical creature creature that lives around Einbunpin Lagoon and becomes active at Festival time.

Whether you’re young or young at heart, there are plenty of things to get up to without having to spend lots of money. 

“The Einbunpin festival always provides a great opportunity for children and adults to let their hair down and have some good, old fashioned fun,” Festival Chairperson Cr Victoria Newton said. 

“Some people take these games very seriously – especially the Annual Mullet Tossing Competition where people come back each year in an effort to win the trophy and associated prizes.”

Some of the free ideas for families and others in search of fun include:

• Submit an artwork as part of the Magic Canvas Competition (prior to the day)
• Checking out the various stalls including displays, food and goods
• Learn to circus skills with Claire’s Circus School from 10am-12noon
• From 10am until 12 noon children can paint a Fish-Boat for free at the Boat Shed to get them ready for the Fish-Boat Races
• Join in the Tai Chi class with Bruce Yang from the Evergreen Taoist Church from 10am-10.30am in the grassed open space in the centre of the Festival
• Children’s annual boat parades and racing event at 12noon in the open space area
• Take part in the various games from 12noon-1pm, including the Mullet Tossing Competition, Wild Bunpin calling – and possibly some new games this year.  NOTE: No real animals are used for these games. 

Many young people are performing on the program as well – so why not come and check out our local young talent on both stages.

There are also some rides for the younger ones to enjoy – however there is a charge for these.