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For more than 15 years, Little Big Day Out has been a firm favourite with Wagga children – and their families.
It’s goal is to showcase the community services offered by Wagga City Council, but far from being a stuffy affair filled with reports and presentations, Little Big Day Out aims to present them in a fun and interactive way.
The precinct around the Wagga Civic Centre, at the corner of Baylis and Morrow streets, was pulsing on Thursday as families took in the assorted activities.
It may be an event aimed primarily at children aged between two and 12, but the wide grins on the faces those attending suggested it was fun for all ages.
Stars of the upcoming production of Wicked, Siobhan McSweeney who plays Glinda the good witch, and Meredith Adams, who is the green-hued Elphaba, brought a touch of the Land of Oz to proceedings.
They happily posed for photographers with youngsters, who had the chance to try out some witches’ brooms.
The ever-popular water-rolling barrels were again brought in by staff of the Oasis recreation centre, who patiently spent the morning explaining the best technique to get the best performance from the inflatable toys.
The amphitheatre provided the perfect venue for troops of young singers and dancers to display their talents, while there was a mouth-watering array of treats and snacks.
Council staff brought in some heavy machinery – including a grader and a Rural Fire Service truck – for those little ones who were keen on big wheels, while the more chilled could take in a children’s yoga class.
Staff from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter were helping kids to do some colouring, watched over by a canine friend who’d been brought down to join in the fun.
But this wasn’t the only animal for children to see, with a petting zoo proving to be extremely popular.
There was also ballet, drumming and hip-hop lessons on offer.
Children with a creative bent were able to build their own city using as simple a material as boxes, while others were content to simply chase the big bubbles that wafted through the air.
“Holding Little Big Day Out is all about celebrating and valuing children in our community,” Janice Summerhayes, Wagga City Council’s director community, said.
“To do this, council offers a free day full of fun activities and experiences that allow families to know a little more about what council has on offer in services and public programs. Complimented by other services and amusements, the day is a great way for our children to have fun outdoors.”