Save the date!

One of the biggest school fetes in Macarthur is coming so mark the date in your diary now. With loads of stall, rides, and Wakeling Automotive once again donating a car for you to have a chance at winning simply just by turning up to the school fete!

The White Elephant stall is a popular place to grab a bargain so get there early, have fun all day and hang around to hear the winner of the car announced at the end. There will be plenty of food and fun available at the school fete to keep you and your family busy all day.

 

Plenty of parking available for the school fete available just off St John's Road.

Macarthur Has Talent

Do you have a child that can sing, dance or play an instrument? If yes, you might like to enter them in the Macarthur Has Talent competition. For more information, and to download an entry form for the talent quest, check out the Wizard of Oz Funland website.

 

Running away with the circus

We went to see the Weber's Circus show at Camden Equestrian Park on Saturday afternoon. I haven't been to the circus since I was about 6 years old so I really didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised, although the performers made some of the stunts look way too easy. There really was something for everything and while keeping the 2yo still was sometimes a bit of a challenge, the older kids were focused on the ring the whole time. The staff were all friendly and helpful. We had A reserve seats and had a good view. The circus packed up and left yesterday but I highly recommend a visit next time they come to town.

On the way home, as the sun was setting over the pastures and wineries of Camden, hubby asked, "Where else can you live that's 15 minutes from fields and country?" Where else indeed. We love Macarthur.

Want to know more about Panjo?

If you've driven into Campbelltown from the North, you no doubt would have noticed the imposing building on the corner of Rose Payten Drive and Campbelltown Road that is destined to become the Panjo Destination Centre 4 Children.

The development of this centre stalled a few years ago due to financial difficulties but is now back on track and set to become a landmark for the area. The multi-story building is designed to be a one-stop-shop for parents and will include a child-care centre, swimming pool, themed restaurants and cafes, a medical centre, skating ring, shops and more.

For a look inside, check out this video or join the Facebook fan page. The website is still under construction.

The Campbelltown Show

The Campbelltown Show has been running for 111 years. It's now being organised by a new private company after the much publicised winding up of the Show Society last year. The new Campbelltown show will have a different format but will be held at it's traditional home in Menangle Park on the 4th to 5th of September.




So mark the date in your diary because entry prices are only $1o per person and children under 3 are free.

Monkey Mania

Monkey Mania Casula is a new indoor play centre situated at the Crossroads Homemaker Centre, 10 minutes from Campbelltown up the M5 or Campbelltown Road. With eight themed rooms it's a fantastic place for a party or school holiday fun for kids 2-12. There's a huge 'ball o city maze' climbing frame and basketball court for the bigger kids plus a separate toddler area. There's also ride-on dodgem cars at additional cost ($3 for five laps). We went on a weekday during the school holidays and found that the pictures on the internet did not match our experience.

As is typical of most indoor play centres, no outside food or drinks can be consumed on the premises (except for baby food). Cafe options were limited; the quiche we we ordered was fairly average but service was very prompt and friendly. The kids nugget and chips meals were a generous size for $6.00 each. The cafe is counter service only which can be challenging if you're on your own with bags and a stroller. There's plenty of tables and seating available. The toilet / baby change area is bright, large and mostly clean although the toilet seat in the ladies was broken on the day we were there. There's a toddler seat available in the baby change area, comfy chairs for breastfeeding behind privacy curtains and a microwave for heating baby food.

Entry fee:
Under 1 Year FREE
1 to 2 years $9.50
3 years & over $12.50
Adult $3.50 (incl. drink)

There are discounts available for multiple visits and an annual membership provides additional benefits. The centre is open 10-5:30 Monday to Friday and 9:30-6pm weekends. I'd like to see earlier opening times on a weekday for those parents that drop older kids at school and then want to entertain toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The ball o city maze features a funnel which shoots balls into the air which is great fun for the kids but it should be noted that the loud whooshing sound it periodically makes may frighten some littles. Also remember to take socks - no bare feet allowed.

Verdict from the kids in the family is that Monkey Mania is 'way better' than the other indoor play centres in the area so I guess that means we'll be making a return visit.

NYE

If you're a long-term resident of Macarthur, you'll know about the wonderful New Year's Eve (NYE) party that Campbelltown Council host in Koshigaya Park. There's food stalls, top notch live entertainment and (weather permitting) terrific firework shows at 9pm and midnight. All set in a family friendly park with three playgrounds for the kids.

But it does get very busy - you have to get there early to reserve a good spot and spending hours in the park doesn't always go down too well with the littlies. Last year we discovered an alternative - Marsden Park in Park Central. Just up the road. There's no entertainment but the other few families celebrating make for a wonderful atmosphere. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around (or have a game of cricket), plus the playground and best of all, if you position yourself right, you'll still get a great view of the fireworks.

Take a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants in Kellicar Lane or Hyde Parade and stroll on over for the show. Just be ware of the red-bellied black snakes! (We spotted one on the way home near the ambulance station.)