Traditional Games Part Of Sunday Funday In The Park

It’s all happening in Queen’s Park this weekend with the inaugural Sunday Funday being held by the Southern Society of Steampunk Steamologists.

President Gail Mackintosh said the committee decided they wanted to add something new to events, and holding traditional games was one idea they were running with.

“We were wanting to bring things back to basics and have some fun,” she said.

Outdoor games such as quoits, swing ball, skittles, pétanque and croquet were all on the list, as well as air ship racing. Mini golf was also popular and anybody was welcome to join in from 2pm.

“Some people are quite competitive and some just want to have fun,” she said.

The Sunday Funday will conclude with afternoon tea in the Band Rotunda, and in a month’s time the group will also be hosting the annual teapot racing on St Patricks Day.

The steampunk-inspired event involves racing customised teapots around an obstacle course, the same as what they do at the New Zealand festival in Oamaru each year.

Steampunk Teapot Racing originated in New Zealand and now has a following worldwide – steamologists either make their own outfits, such as turning old quilts and blankets into clothing, or they source them online.