A new Easter event in Te Puke is set to bring art, fun and fundraising to the community today.

Epic Te Puke's first Egg on Easels Bike Trail & Art event is being held today, Saturday April 8, from 9am-1pm based at Jubilee Park.

The event has gathered artists and groups to each paint one of 10 egg-shaped wooden boards – made by Te Puke Menz Shed, which will be staged along Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway.

Event goers are encouraged to bike, walk or run the pathway from 9am and scan the QR codes on the easels dotted along the 4km loop, then head back to Jubilee Park by 12.30pm to be in to win prizes.

'We'll put the easels around that trail – so as you're biking along there's something cool to see. It's like an outdoor art exhibition you can take by bike – or run or walk if you want to,” says Epic Te Puke's Rebecca Larsen.

Te Puke Intermediate student Penny Lyford, 12, with her school's creation. Photo: John Borren.

From 12.30pm, prizes – including two kids' bikes – will be given away – and there will be a host of free, family-friendly activities on offer.

'One easel will be set up at the park from 9am Saturday for the community to paint live. There will also be food, raffles, face painting, roaming actors, ponies and small animals, entertainment, and a visit from the Easter Bunny ahead of prizegiving at 12.30pm.”

Post-prizegiving, the easels will be uploaded to Trademe to auction to fundraise for their respective artist or group creator.

'For some groups, it will raise funds towards projects – such as the Scouts who are raising funds for their activities – and the community-made art will be auctioned to raise funds for the Red Cross Disaster appeal.”

Rebecca says the event is inspired by a Papamoa bike event, plus art – together offering a multi-event fundraiser for the community.

'We really want to offer the community this different event – where they can participate and win prizes while supporting and helping artists and groups with their individual causes and what they are trying to achieve.

'It's also bringing art to the community – often art is placed inside buildings – so this really brings it to the audience.”

With Te Puke Primary School and Te Puke Intermediate students painting art, Rebecca hopes they'll see their art on display 'and feel that accomplishment of having their work in an exhibition”.

Find out more about the event, at: https://www.tepukeonline.nz/tepuke-online/p/65155-easter-2023