Events in and around the Waihi region.Waihi's Beach Hop Warm Up Party is happening again and wheels are starting to turn.The three bands are booked for downtown and in the Pumphouse, we've got the best dressed male and female competitions on again, and trophies for the best hot rod and best classic cars that Newmont Waihi Gold's Glen Grindlay and Hauraki District Council Mayor John .../event/mega-events/beach-hop-warm-up-party-2010.aspxThis old fashoined gala is great for the whole family, why not get along and support them.There will be fire engine rides, a café, awesome prizes, stalls, BBQ, fairground rides, raffles, a hangi, bric a brac, more food ... you get the idea..../event/helping-our-community/waihi--east-school-gala.aspxTo be sure, to be sure, we'll be having a great time with the town shop windows, and a lot of staff, going green for a few days to celebrate, for no particular reason apart from the fun factor.Of course, there is the incentive for the best dressed window competition of all the prizes up for grabs, but really, it's just a great excuse to have a .../event/family-fun/saint-patricks-day-2010.aspxAbout 400 competitors in ballet, barefoot, demi character and character. There are open classes in lyrical contemporary, musical theatre as well as duo's.Public are welcome for a gold coin donation..../event/the-arts/waihi-performing-arts-competition-society-2010.aspxWaihi College invites all past pupils, teachers, caretakers and office staff, in fact anyone who’s been associated with the school to their celebrations over Easter weekend at the beginning of April.For registrations, and that’s what they’re after at the moment, either go to their website, www.waihicol.school.nz, or ring Brent Willoughby on 863 .../event/mega-events/waihi-college-50-year-celebration.aspxWaihi College invites all past pupils, teachers, caretakers and office staff, in fact anyone who’s been associated with the school to their celebrations over Easter weekend at the beginning of April.For registrations, and that’s what they’re after at the moment, either go to their website, www.waihicol.school.nz, or ring Brent Willoughby on 863 .../event/mega-events/waihi-college-50-year-celebration.aspxIt stands of Enjoy Connecting Hills and Oceans, and is a walking festival suitable for any and all ages and fitness levels. We have been meeting all year to put this together and with around 20 or so walks around the greater region to choose from, there’s bound to be something to suit all tastes.The dates are set for the 10th to the 18th of April, .../event/mega-events/echo-walking-festival-2010.aspxSWIM, KAYAK, RUN, BIKE & BREATHE DEEPLY - that's what the multi sport entrants will be doing from the shores of Bowentown, along Waihi Beach, over and up to Homunga Bay and then in to finish at the Cornish Pumphouse on Saturday April 24th with the Anaconda Multi Sport Adventure Race coming to Waihi.You can enter too, as an individual or team. .../event/mega-events/anaconda-multisport-adventure-race.aspxGo Waihi is currently compiling a list of possible stall holders for any future events that happen in our area. If you would like to be included please contact us or phone 07 863 3030 and let us know some details. Make sure you include:namecontact phone and mobile numbersemail addressIt would also be handy to know what sort of products and goods .../event/markets-and-stalls/call-for-stall-holders.aspxCool off in the tepid waters of the Waihi College pool for just a couple of dollars over the summer. It's a great alternative to heading to the beach, and there are life guards on duty while they're open.Anyone 8 or under must have someone 16 or over looking after them. Talk to the life guards to find out about family season passes and keys for .../event/family-fun/waihi-college-community-swimming-pool.aspxStep back in time in Waihi, the town with a Heart of Gold. The ever popular horse and wagonette rides that Go Waihi subsidises are back in town over the Christmas and New Year period.Whether you're a local or visitor, it's a great way to slow down for a moment and take in some of the rich history this town has to offer.Based in front of the .../event/family-fun/horse-and-wagonnete-rides.aspxThe Victoria Battery Society is a very interesting part of Waihi's history. There's the museum, the underground kiln tunnel tours and the tram line, all open from 10am.There will be volunteers there to explain a lot of what went on at the historic gold processing plant, and it’s very inexpensive. Head out about 8kms towards the Karangahake Gorge .../event/history/victoria-battery.aspxWaihi's Memorial Hall and Seddon and Haszard streets will have a great variety of stalls selling their wares.It's an ideal time to pick up something a little different, for you or perhaps early for a birthday coming up.You can call Jenny to book a stall on 863 9066..../event/markets-and-stalls/martha-market.aspxFor more information, please phone 863 9066 or 027 3054342.Note: We are also happy to open outside of these times when requested..../event/helping-our-community/waihi-toy-library.aspxIt's a win win situation, with plenty of goods and produce for sale, and the proceeds going to our local Rotary Club of Waihi.Why not fill your boot and sell things, or buy things and fill your boot. Contact Robin for details on 07 863 7030..../event/markets-and-stalls/car-boot-sale.aspxThis is held each Sunday, including Easter Weekend. Jams and blueberries, fish, flowers and fudge all feature, and that's just to whet the appetite.Remember you must have grown or added value to your produce..../event/markets-and-stalls/waihi-beach-fresh-produce-market.aspxThey cater for all ages and fitness levels with low impact exercises that are good for posture, coordination, balance, strength, stamina, suppleness, flexibility ... phew, and your back.You can call Dorothy for more information on 07 549 3378..../event/sport/the-fitness-league.aspxCome and enjoy a night of skating, with games and prizes.  There's skate ramps and music too!(Sponsored by Subway and Video Ezy.).../event/sport/friday-night-skating.aspxThe first Sunday each month you're invited to pirouette your way around the St John Anglican Church Hall.Gents $3 please to cover the hall hire, and ladies a plate for the home made afternoon tea would be appreciated. It starts at 1.30 and runs through the afternoon and is a great way to keep fit while having fun..../event/the-arts/old-time-dancing.aspxFind out more about the Goldfields Railway..../event/family-fun/goldfields-railway.aspxWaihi Drama Society has initiated play script reading nights. Experienced or not, you're welcome to have a go. Scripts are provided and it's a great way to have an entertaining night out (you are part of the entertainment). Why not take a friend along and introduce them to the fun of theatre.Call Tracey for details on 863 5056..../event/the-arts/drama-society-play-script-readings.aspxPre grade fun hip hop dance classes for 5 to 9 year olds start in February 2009 at the Waihi Baptist Church. There are other grades and age groups too, so get in touch with the Dynamik Krew, Hayley and Leanne, for details and registrations on 863 7510..../event/the-arts/hip-hop-dance-classes.aspxNot a bikie gang, but a group of like-minded people, 50 and over.Their national organisation is there to assist with support systems and advice in areas such as improving social services, securing reliable essential services and being a united voice on areas of interest and concern..../event/helping-our-community/grey-power.aspxBA5 Meetings are for business owners and managers. It's an opportunity to catch up, network and often we have guest speakers that talk on topics of interest at the meeting. They are held 'after 5pm' and are held at various business premises around Waihi. If you have any questions or comments please contact Go Waihi.Wednesday March 3rd We invite .../event/helping-our-community/business-after-5.aspxVisitor numbers to the Waihi Information Centre are increasing, especially with summer and the holiday season coming. Now the Visitor Centre need to increase their volunteer base too. If you can help, in any way, whether once a month or once a week, they’d love to hear from you. Age is no barrier, students wanting experience are more than welcome .../event/helping-our-community/info-centre-volunteers.aspx