indwe magazine – Dec 2005

Umhlanga Rocks Summer Carnival (18 to 23 December 2005)
From the friendly attitudes of its people to the breathtaking blue of its skies and glistening gold of its sandy beaches, Umhlanga is a place of diverse beauty – where the possibilities are restricted only by the scope of your imagination. Dig your toes into fine golden sand, ride the rolling waves, relax on the beach, dine in superb restaurants, or dance the night away! Umhlanga has it all.
Come along and experience the vibey street cafes, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Walk along the famous O’Connor promenade as it leisurely winds its way along the beachfront. Stop along the way for a cup of coffee or just take in the golden beaches and blue sea. The beaches are rated among the top beaches in the world, with the main beach recently awarded the international Blue Flag status in recognition for complying with international standards in water quality, environmental management, safety and world-class beach facilities.
And then just to add some fun, you can join in and be part of the week long Summer Carnival.
On the 18th of December there will be a life-saving exhibition, during which the unsung “bay watch” heroes, who make sure that our swimming beaches are safe, will be displaying what they are all about. Visitors will be treated to displays of training techniques (Seniors and Nippers – these are the juniors for those who don’t know), inter-team and public competitions, surf and sun safety information for the public and many more surprises. So, head down to the beach, show your support, and join in. You may just learn something that could save a life.
On Monday the 19th of December it will be off to the Soccer Clinic. With SA World Cup 2010 not too far away, all aspiring soccer players can join the beach soccer clinic. The youngsters will be taught the skills of kicking a soccer ball, and have the opportunity to play a game or two while mum and dad relax and soak up the sun.
Tuesday the 20th of December will be aimed at fun and entertainment for the younger ones, with events such as ice cream eating competitions, a treasure hunt, sandcastle building, face painting, and lots of jumping around on the Ola Jumping Castle. With numerous prizes to be won, this event promises to be a hit with the whole family.
On Wednesday the 21st Mum and Dad will take centre stage in the Adult Beach Olympics, including events like Volleyball, Tug-o-War teams and the infamous “Hamburger Eating” competition, to name just a few. The evening will be dedicated to a traditional Carols by Candlelight on the Umhlanga Village Green (in the heart of the village), where Christmas carols will be sung by candlelight along with the Oyster Box Choir. Visitors are invited to bring along a gift to be placed under the Christmas tree for the underprivileged children. In the event of bad weather, this event will be held in the Lighthouse Mall in Chartwell Drive.
On Thursday 22nd the Beach Run and Fun Family Walk will start at the Umhlanga Lighthouse. The route will be run north to the Umhlanga lagoon and back to the Lighthouse (approximately 6 km return). Participants will be divided into two categories. The first category is the Beach Run, which is open to all the men and women who aspire to still run the Comrades Marathon. There will even be a trophy up for grabs sponsored by the Oyster Box Hotel! The second category is the Wacky Family Walk, a more leisurely event aimed at the whole family, with prizes being awarded for the oldest, youngest, and wackiest dressed walker.
The highlight of the Summer Carnival will be the Street Party on Friday the 23rd of December. Chartwell Drive will be closed off for a Mardi Gras carnival-style street party. Visitors will be able to safely walk around the heart of the village without having to worry about the traffic. The evening promises to be very festive and entertaining, and all visitors are invited to join in white dress.
Don’t miss out on the fun, and make sure that Umhlanga really Rocks!
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