Free family fun and lots of laughs is what's on offer at Katikati's first ever Pioneer's Picnic this Sunday.

Western Bay Museum is inviting people of all ages to get along to Taylors Landing behind Katikati shops – next to Uretara River – to the picnic and take part in some good old-fashioned games.

Activities include wheelbarrow racing, three-legged races, egg and spoon, sack racing and a 50 yard dash.

But none are competitive – Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic says the event is to have fun like the settlers used to in Katikati back in the day.

'Our first exhibition on show at the museum now is themed Fun & Games, which focuses on entertainment, leisure and sporting activities from years gone by, for both adults and children,” says Paula.

'And on our screen in the exhibition gallery we have revolving photographs of Katikati – and picnics were a big grand event.

'And I just thought a free Pioneer's Picnic off-site is one way of engaging with the community that the museum is about everybody – and it's set to be a really good, fun, free event.”

Paula says back in the pioneers' day everyone would dress up in their finest hats and attire for a picnic – and everyone in the region would turn up.

'For our event dressing up old style is optional – but really all people have to do is turn up and bring a picnic, and have some fun.”

Paula says the event is also the Western Bay Museum's first event engaging with the community off-site of the new building on Main St.

'Events like this gives us the opportunity to tell our stories every which way we can – because museums belong to their communities.”

And the focus is purely on fun, says Paula. There won't be awards – it's all about participation and the prize is fun, laughter and a different family day out.

'And you can't help – as soon as you get in a sack and start jumping you will start laughing.

'And you know, maybe I think people just don't laugh enough.

'And sometimes the simplest of things can make us laugh – and this event is for young, old or otherwise.”

At 11am the children's games start, and it's the adults' turn after lunch.

'Our museum volunteers talking a register of participants, and we want youngsters to arrive a little earlier because we don't how many people are going to come.

'We've also got volunteers patrolling the Uretara River to keep everyone safe, and a volunteer who is a nurse, and she'll be our first aid officer just in case.”

Plus, today's Katikati Concert Band will play at the picnic – just as their forgone members did 100 years ago.

'We've got photographs of the band from way back – but I have left today's band's music choice up to them.”

Paula wants to thank the Taylor families for allowing us to use their privately-owned land for the event and the community for helping put it together. 'All we need is some sunshine for Sunday.”

The Pioneers Picnic is this Sunday, November 6 at Taylors Landing, behind the shops and beside the Uretara River in Katikati, from 11am. Entry is free.