‘City folk' are invited to bring the whole family and get a taste of country today at the annual Federated Farmers Farm Day in Papamoa.

Farm owners Andrew and Robin McLeod are opening up their farm to the public at 1189 Welcome Bay Road in Papamoa to give people the chance to see what really see what happens on the farm.

The event, which starts at 10am includes sheep shearing demonstrations, flock herding, a petting zoo, cowsheds, giant tractors and much more.

The farm is open until 3pm.

Sunday 18 March

5Bridges River Swim

April 1, Co-ordinated by Hamilton Masters Swim Club. Starts at Hamilton Gardens, below the Hungerford Crescent car park, and finish 7.1km downstream at Ann Street Beach. Registration is from 11-12.30pm, beside the river at Hamilton Gardens. Briefing for swimmers is at 12.40pm, event starts 1pm. Preregistration $20 by 19 March, after & on the day $35. Entry forms available at www.nzmastersswimming.org.nz or 07 854 9874

Auditions

For ‘Heaven Help Us' at Te Puke Repertory Society, Litt Park Theatre (off Cameron Rd, Te Puke) 2-6pm. Cast required 4 females (16yrs - 70's), 2 males (40's - 50's) For details or a perusal script, Sally 533 1043

Bethlehem Lions Market

Incorporating arts & crafts, at Bethlehem Town Centre car park. (Second entrance to town centre off Bethlehem Rd) 8am – 12pm. Stallholders $10 per site. On wet or fine. 548 2977

Bible Seminars

Every Sunday at Greerton Senior Citizen's Hall, Maitland St, Greerton 1.45pm. Title: 'Creation- God's message to mankind.” Interactive, Q&A. Refreshments provided. All welcome. Vic 543 0504

Easter Family Festival

April 8 at Downtown Mt Maunganui 10am - 3pm. Live music, stilts & street performers, slides, castles, clowns, kids disco & more. Free family fun & entertainment. www.mountmaunganui.org.nz

Forest & Bird Te Puke Walk

Otanewainuku Forest to hear newly liberated kokako. 2 hours return. Meet 8.45am at Boucher Ave car park near Export Meats to share transport. Bring food, jacket, solid footwear & $5pp if carpooling. Neale 573 4157 or 021 0234 3524

Kids Club ‘3.45 Live'

Games, craft & bible stories. Papamoa Library every Sunday during school terms 3.45-4.45pm. For ages 4-7yrs. In association with changepoint.co.nz. Linda 572 5558

Maketu Community Market

Maketu Village Reserve every 3rd & 5th Sun of month 8am – 1pm. Variety of stalls including fresh veges, baking, plants, bric-a-brac, books & more. Maureen 533 2340

Mary's Market

Quality nursery & baby/children products at The good Food Trading Company, Mt Maunganui 9am - 1pm.

Open Farm

Farm day at 1189 Welcome Bay Rd, Papamoa 10am - 3pm. Take your gummies, take the kids & experience hands-on farming. Free. For directions & information visit www.farmday.org.nz

Petanque

Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. Neita 572 3768

Powell on Pipes

In Baycourt Centennial Theatre 1.30pm. UK's Chris Powell returns for another toe-tapping Blackpool styles show on the wurlitzer organ. Tickets at the Box Office or Ticketdirect 577 7188

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race Electron class yachts. Graham 572 5419

Singles Mix & Mingle 50+

Coffee afternoon at Zaggers Cafe, Chapel St 2.30pm. Mix & mingle with other like-minded singles in a relaxed atmosphere. Gayle 027 439 3267

Sprint Triathlon

March 25 at Pilot Bay, Mt Maunganui. Starts 8am. Distance: Swim 750m, cycle 20km, run 5km. Race briefing 7.15am. Prize giving 15 mins after last finisher has crossed the line. Prize money: 1st male & female $250, 2nd male & female $150, 3rd male & female $100.

Sundays Friends Meet

Meet for an hour of mostly silent meditation, at the Annex, behind Brian Watkins Historic House cnr of Elizabeth St & Cameron Rd 10am, followed by tea/coffee & biscuits & a chat.

Tauranga Pakeke Lions Club

Charity bowling tournament at Tauranga South Bowling Club 8.30am - 3pm. Donations to Waipuna Hospice.

Tauranga Spiritual Society

Senior Citizens Hall, 14 Norris St 6.30pm. Speakers; Mary Martin, Candida Monkley, Meeshla Nathan. $10 inc membership or $5 without. Enquiries – Facebook.

Tauranga Tramping Club

Meet at 11th Ave carpark 8.30am. Carpooling to Franklin Rd. $14 payable to car driver. Tramp to Franklin Rd to Waitawheta Hut & return. Bring lunch, water bottle, sunhat, wet weather gear, warm clothing, walking shoes. Mike 548 0122

Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club

Annual crank up at Armstrong Rd, Te Puna 10.30am. Bring your toys. Gold coin donation. All welcome. Gordon 571 2450

Te Puke Country Music

St Pat's Hall, Beatty Ave, Te Puke 1pm. Members a plate please.

Will Martin in Concert

March 25, for Waipuna Hospice at Holy Trinity 7-9pm. Supported by Stephanie Adams & the Bethlehem College Senior choir, Animoso. Adults $30, children (16 & under) $15. See www.waipuna-hospice.co.nz for ticket outlets or to purchase online.