Even before the gates opened, children and their parents gathered at Southland Girls’ High School to make the most of the day.
Emily Johnstone (4) had so much fun at the event the year before that she asked her mother Katie Ludman to arrive early. She was the first and was welcomed by Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt to the event.
Emily was not sure if she wanted to go on the trampoline or the merry-go-round, but her mother thought she would have a great time anyway.
"It is such a great event for the children. They have heaps of things to do and to keep them busy."
With about 170 activities for all tastes and ages and running over six days, the event is one of the largest of its kind across the country.
Kidzone event director Karen Witham said it was an emotional feeling, finally delivering the festival.
"We have been working around the clock for the last week, working 12 hours a day to make everything ready for when the gates open.
"It is quite an emotional moment ... I received drawings from kids weeks before the event showing their excitement to be part of our event. Their smiles and those kind of things are the most rewarding experience."
The event was planned to host 1800 people per day and has a range of activities, including bike rides, Zorbs, bouncy castles and craft workshops.
It will run until Monday at Southland Girls’ High School, from 10.30am to 3.30pm daily.
