LOCALS and holiday-makers are in for a feast of firsts this Saturday, December 15, when Kouga’s official Opening of the Season takes place at the Jeffreys Bay main beachfront.
“Our aim is to make this year’s Opening bigger and better than ever before,” says Kouga Mayor Horatio Hendricks. “All the activities will be free of charge and geared towards the whole family.”
The official programme will kick off at 10:00 with the first Beach Sports Day, featuring sevens rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis and netball.
Everyone is invited to put together a team and enter for free. Cash prizes and fun give-aways are up for grabs.
Participants can enter on the day or contact Ben Ruiters from the Kouga Rugby Academy at 073 682 5212.
A kiddies’ play area, with jumping castles and a colouring-in corner, will be open from 13:00 for little ones to enjoy at no cost. The area will be set up around the Dolphin Beach Amphitheatre and will include a “bungi bouncer” for older thrill-seekers.
“Beachgoers can also look out for Splash, our water mascot, who will be out and about to spread the ‘save water’ message,” Hendricks says.
The Amphitheatre will furthermore be the venue for the first Kouga Mayoral Talent Search, taking place from 14:00 to 17:00 on the day.
“Whether your talent is singing, dancing, comedy or acrobatics, this will be the platform to come and show off your skills,” he says.
Registration takes place at 13:00. There is no entry fee. The winner will walk away with R1 000 in cash and an invitation to perform at the official evening programme. Whatsapp event organiser Rochey Walters at 064 258 1871.
All bicycle lovers are invited to join the first Family Fun Bicycle Ride, open to cyclists of all ages, also on December 15. The cycle will start at Fountains Mall at 15:30 and end at the main beachfront.
The Moravian Brass Band will take to the Amphitheatre at 17:00 to set the tone for the eveninge.
Little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa for a photo and sweets from 17:45 to 18:45.
Local songbird Madelain Baartman will entertain the audience with Christmas favourites from 18:45, followed by a magic show at 19:15 and a performance by the Mayoral Talent Search winner at 20:00.
The Mayor will then deliver his festive message and switch on the festive lights – culminating in the first official fireworks display for Kouga at 20:30.
The programme will close with music by local band Simplicity and a host of DJs.
