Live music, boats, bunting and children’s activities all contributed to the community event, which also emphasised local history.
Organising committee head Amber Sharma said the gala was testing the waters for a larger music and arts festival she hoped could happen in future.
"This community has got so many beautiful people who want to help and donate and work together — there’s lots of aroha today."
Proceeds from the $2 entry fee would go towards youth events at the community centre, and the day was "all about the kids and the youth", she said.
She had recently started a community singing group, Choir! Choir!, who were also among the day’s performers.
She came from a long line of musicians and singers and the death of her father, Pita Kotorewai Smith, had moved her to start the group.
They needed an event to perform at, which helped spark the idea for a community gala.
The event was also a way to celebrate 175 years of European settlement in Broad Bay, 100 years since the boat club was founded and 75 years since the Polish church was moved there.
An exhibition is being held until Sunday at the Broad Bay Community Centre to highlight the heritage of the area.
Dunedin’s Tayla Masson was among those who took their children to the gala.
Signs for the event piqued her interest, and as it was a lovely day it was a good chance to see what was happening, she said.
