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The organisers cleverly developed the theme of the parade to "shine a light” on a fishy problem in the Bay of Plenty this month. It wasn't just all about the magic and entertainment. "Mrs Barry" keeping Barry company during the parade and festivities. Party in the Bay delighted children with face painting. Performers from Circus in a Flash and FLAME Entertainment joined in with Katikati's local 'Dancing Divas' to provide entertainment. On Friday night, the Katikati College Senior A netball team cooked up yummy sausages for the crowd, with Little Miss Jay providing coffee and Lil Orbits Donuts adding to the tasty food and drinks with their own delicious treats. In the days leading up to the event, lantern workshops were held so that people could create their own lantern. Participants enjoying the Katikati Lanterns and Lights Parade on Friday evening.
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The Friday winter event was organised by Katch Katikati with support from Project Parore and Creative NZ, with the organisers saying "it was a brilliant evening with a huge turnout". 'Mrs Barry' kept Barry company while the magical fun of the lantern parade swirled around them. The Katikati Lanterns and Lights Parade illuminated Kotahi Lane with street entertainment, food and illuminated creations as Katikati locals turned out to enjoy the evening Barry, the patient Kiwi bloke usually found quietly reading his paper on a park bench on Katikati's Main Street, found himself surrounded by lanterns and lights on Friday night.
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