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ZESTFest with kids: top tips for family-friendly fun

Already a firm favourite on The Hills Shire calendar, Orange Blossom Festival’s (OBF) ZESTFest has even more in store for families this year, including the chance to meet Dirt Girl, see Lee Kernaghan live and the opportunity to explore historic Bella Vista Farm.

With so much on offer, families with children will be spoilt for choice when the community festival launches into action on Sunday 27th August, from 10am to 7pm.

ZESTFest ticks all the right boxes for parents – it’s family-friendly, engaging, and mostly free,” General Manager of The Hills Shire Council, Michel Edgar said.

“The festival gives residents and visitors a taste of what’s great about The Hills and what they can experience during the year, including participating in extracurricular activities, joining sporting or volunteer groups and enjoying our main attractions.

“For the first time ZESTFest will have activities available for teens and young adults. The OZone, inspired by our own youth ambassadors, will be entertaining and engaging.

“We are urging visiting and local families to come early so they can maximise their time and participate in all our events, activities and attractions, as well as explore the iconic homestead. And the day finishes with something a little special.

ZESTFest is more than just a Festival, it’s a celebration of who we are and where we have come from,” Mr Edgar added.

Top tips for families to enjoy at ZESTFest:

  • Travel by public transport – leave the car at home and take advantage of the bus services that stop right outside the Farm;
  • Pre-purchase your unlimited ride wristbands to beat queues on the day;
  • Make sure you stop in at Council’s Information Tent to receive a free drink bottle and your child’sZESTFest passport. The passport takes kids on a journey around Bella Vista Farm. As they complete each stop, they receive a stamp. Limited passports available on the day;
  • Pack a picnic rug and chairs, and enjoy the performances on the Local Blooms Stage;
  • Baby change rooms will be available in the main toilet block;
  • Water stations are available throughout the Farm;
  • No alcohol is permitted at the event;
  • Come prepared – plan your visit beforehand. Programs and maps can be downloaded atorangeblossomfestival.com.au.

The best family fun for all ages:

Pippas Playland 

  • Circus workshops
  • Face painting and balloon twisting
  • Golden Ridge Animal Farm
  • Mad Hatters Workshop
  • Amusement rides
  • Big Yellow Bus
  • Life Education Van
  • Pop-up library
  • Reverse Garbage Workshop
  • Peppa Pig and Fireman Sam visit

Ozone

  • DJ
  • Photobooth
  • Airbrush tattoos and henna
  • Rock climbing
  • Gaming 2 U
  • Interactive art piece
  • Youth Community Groups – displays, info and activities
  • Caricature artist
  • Base 181 Workshops |noon1:30pm | 3pm
  • Rides

Green Thumb

Meet our local environment groups:

  • Bush Care team
  • Resource Recovery and Environment team
  • Seeding Station
  • Australian Planet Society

Active Zest

Meet our local sporting groups:

  • Virgin Active – Norwest
  • Carlile Swimming – Norwest
  • AFL NSW/ GWS Giants
  • Hockey NSW
  • Sydney Thunder
  • Obstacool
  • Dartball
  • Netball Central
  • Kellyville Baseball Club
  • Hills Hornets Touch Football
  • Hills Ultimate Frisbee
  • Western Sydney Wanderers
  • Hills Hornets Basketball
  • Sydney Parkside Yoga
  • Hills District Tennis Association
  • Little Kickers

Community Grove

Meet our local community groups:

  • The Hills Men’s Shed
  • Wesley Mission Vision Valley
  • Riding for the Disabled
  • Zonta Club
  • Sri Om Foundation
  • Microchip dog checks
  • Royal Life Saving NSW
  • Toastmasters
  • Go4Fun
  • Baulkham Hills Lions Club
  • Macquarie Community College
  • SLASA NSW Inc
  • Independent Business Network Inc
  • Australian International Academy
  • Bike North
  • Hills Shire Baha’i Community
  • West Connect Domestic Violence Services
  • OSAN Ability Assist
  • Interrelate Rouse Hill
  • SHE Connective
  • Hills Daily Grind
  • Hills 2036 Planning
  • Sydney Metro Northwest
  • Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD)
  • Disability Services Australia
  • Emergency Service display

Homestead

  • Country Women’s Association | Cake and Jam Stall
  • Friends of Bella Vista Farm | Devonshire Tea and Scones
  • Hills District Historical Society| History of Orange Blossom Festival Display
  • Listen to some local talent with buskers performing all day

Food

  • Wing Kingdom
  • Tsuru Pty Ltd
  • Sydney Ice cream
  • Dos Churros
  • Classic Treats
  • Bar Coco
  • El Capo
  • Fritz’s Wieners
  • Lets Do Yum Cha
  • Wally’s Hotdogs
  • Retro Rosie
  • Agape Organic
  • Nomadic Café
  • Yum Thai Juice Bar
  • Urban Pasta
  • Eat Art Truck

About Orange Blossom Festival:

The community favourite, now in its 47th year, boasts a line-up of events and activities bigger than ever before, keeping locals and visitors entertained week-after-week with rich and vibrant stories of cultural heritage, local achievement and diversity in The Hills.

This year’s OBF will centre on Council’s festival day ‘ZESTFest’ on Sunday 27th August at its new home at historic Bella Vista Farm and be accompanied by an array of associated events held over subsequent days including Voices in Bloom, the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition, OBF Pop-up Markets, The Hills School Expo, The Seniors Dance, SHE Connective Expo, Pawsitive Steps and many more.

OBF is proudly sponsored by Sekisui House and Telstra.

For more information visit, www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au.

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