It has finally arrived – the SunLive Principals' Challenge is on tonight at Baypark.

A total of 34 Bay of Plenty principals are racing at the event, where as many as 10,000 people are expected to come catch a glimpse of the action.

Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan and Tauranga Girls' College principal Pauline Cowens will go head to head at tonight's race. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Do not worry if you cannot make it – SunLive will be there covering the event in full.

A video of the 10 lap race, as well as interviews, photos and results will be on SunLive afterwards.

Doors open at Baypark from 5pm, with the principals' race expected happen half way through the scheduled Speedway programme.

During the day enjoy some festive cheer at the Trustpower Christmas Festival in Mount Maunganui from 10am-1pm.

The annual Santa Parade will take place at 11am, with all sorts of groups showing off their Christmas-themed floats.

To ease traffic congestion, people are encouraged to take advantage of the free ‘Park n Ride' bus.

Parade maps, Park n Ride details and information can be found on the What's On page at www.mountmaunganui.org.nz

Bring a non-perishable item to support the Tauranga Community Foodbank Appeal.

Saturday 1 December

Ballroom Dance Party

Dec 8 at Te Puke Memorial Hall 7-11pm. Ballroom, Latin & modern jive etc. BYO drinks & supper plate $12pp. The Dance Centre 542 1295 http://www.udance2.co.nz

Balmorals Marching Team

Welcome ladies to join this awesome sport for fun, friendship & travel. 20-60 age group. Anita 571 4096 a/hs or 0210 257 6094

Bay Assn of Sea Kayakers

Training weekend with John Kirk Anderson. Bevan 576 8885

BOKWA Fitness Class

Omokoroa Settlers Hall, Omokoroa Rd 9.30am. Get fit, lose weight, have fun. Beginners welcome. Instructor: Sarah 021 185 3363 http://www.bokwafitness.com/

BOP Shirley Club

Gift exchange morning tea meeting Dec 8 at Classic Flyers, Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui 10am sharp. Please bring along a $5 wrapped gift for exchange. Last event for 2012. RSVP to 544 8652 or 571 4441 before Dec 5.

Christmas Dance Party

Dec 8, Greerton Hall 7.30pm - late. $7pp. BYO drinks & nibbles. All welcome. Sonia, Supreme Dance Centre 543 2377 or 027 322 1786. Email: [email protected]

Christmas Dance Tonight

Sequence & old time dancing. Wear a touch of Christmas. Great music & supper at Greerton Hall 7.30-11pm. Entry $5. All welcome. Run by Social Dance. Garry 543 0051

Church Fair

At St Enoch's, 16th Ave 9am. Crafts, baking, books etc.

Market Day

At Pyes Pa Hall 8am – 12pm. $5 a stall. 578 8461

Messianic Weekly Meetings

The Way meet in the Kingfisher Room, Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 10am. All welcome. 570 1438

Mount Primary School Mini Gala

'Trash & Treasure” charity fundraiser at Mt Maunganui Primary School Netball Courts, Orkney Rd, Mt 8am - 12pm. Face painting, bake sales, 'throw the sponge at the teacher” & more. Huge bargains from around 20c - $5. Fundraiser for child poverty in Tauranga Community.

Omanawa Hall Market

And car boot sale, Omanawa Rd, Lower Kaimai 9am – 12pm. Stalls $5. Christine 543 1069

Oriana Singers 'A Christmas Cracker”

Conducted by Janneke de Jong, Dec 1 at St Andrew's Church, Mt Maunganui 2pm. Dec 2 at St John's Church, Bureta 2pm. Adults $12, students $5. Contributions to Foodbank appreciated. Jim 571 4044

Pahoia Community Xmas Fair

At Pahoia School, 29 Esdaile Rd, Tauranga from 11am. Stallholders include jewellery, linen, soaps, toys, Xmas decorations. Santa stopping by. All welcome. Karen 578 3384 or [email protected]

School Principals Challenge

School principals battle it out at Baypark Speedway, 81 Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui 6.30-10pm. 34 principals racing. Who will be the first to cross the finish line? A must see event. www.baypark.co.nz

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Christmas hamper tickets available now. 8 draws of Market Bags Dec 15 with proceeds going to TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Tauranga Fuchsia Group Show

Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth St West Sat 11am - 4pm, Sun 9.30am -3.30pm. Plants for sale. $3 admission.

Tauranga Synchronised Swimming Club

If you're a good swimmer but getting bored with swimming lengths, come for a free trial lesson at Synchro, Baywave first Sat each month 9-10am. Pool entry fee applies. Angela 552 5416

The Little Big Markets

Corner of Matai St & Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui 9am - 2pm. Vintage, fashion, jewellery, arts, crafts, food. Email: [email protected]

Trustpower Christmas Festival

And Santa Parade, Downtown the Mount 10am – 1pm. Festivities start 10am - parade at 11am. Bring a nonperishable item to support the Tauranga Community Foodbank Appeal.