25 September 2024 Lincoln University Community Day the biggest and best yet

It was the busiest Community Day yet at Lincoln University on Sunday, with thousands enjoying a day of fun, food and fresh air.

Each year members of the public are welcomed onto campus to take part in the day of activities, live music and entertainment.

Events coordinator Angelina King said the event showcased what The University could offer members of the public behind its gates.

The community are more than welcome to join our gym, enjoy our cafes and spend time on campus.

It also introduced children to the idea of higher education and what going to Lincoln University could offer them in the future, she said.

Thousands of people turned up for the event and Forbes Lawn was packed within 15 minutes.

The petting zoo was an instant hit, showing off piglets, an alpaca and a rare breed of ‘unicorn’.

Grounded café was bustling throughout the day and The Chippy Loaded food truck was so busy on Forbes Lawn it ran out of chips after frying more than 100kg.

Food & beverage manager Abhishek Kurade said Grounded café achieved two days’ worth of revenue in just five hours, which was a 50% increase on Community Day last year.

The LU Parents Society showed off the art of balloon twisting, giving out more than 300 creations, including dogs, swords and snakes.

Space Club’s candy floss stall had long queues throughout the whole day, with people eager for a sweet treat, until the end of the event.

The Young Farmers Club brought in a dozen ewes for a series of sheep shearing demonstrations, which proved popular with excited children and adults capturing the action for social media.

Sport Canterbury set up its Poipoia! Time to Play trailer, offering a chance for children and families to burn off some energy playing with sports equipment.

This year a new area dedicated to community stallholders was opened, giving six local craftspeople a change to sell their wares.

Lincoln University Student Association (LUSA) president Demetrio Cooper said the Selwyn and Lincoln communities were growing quickly and it was great to invite the many new families onto campus and encourage interaction with some of the students.

It was also a chance for the public to see The University, which had played a significant role in the history of the district, all while having some fun, he said.