As the 2008 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival entered its fourth day, more than 200 children and their parents packed into the warm pavilion at 10am where they were greeted by Winnie the Pooh.
Stories, songs and plenty of fun enthralled the children - many of whom had taken the opportunity to have their face painted to resemble their favourite characters.
There were lions, puppies, kittens, butterflies and even a couple of sharks in the group who then devoured a lunch-time snack.
A "group dance" to a little bit of hip-hop music finished off the morning, which was clearly a huge success.
From there, the action moved to Millbrook Resort, near Arrowtown.
Chef Al Brown divulged some of his cheeky dinner party tips to ticket-holders, who also who got to sample some of his creations.
Last night, ticket-holders attending the American Express Great Comedy Debate, also at the Kawarau Falls Station Pavilion, were treated to an evening of comedy, with one-liners coming thick and fast from a celebrity panel.
Jeremy Corbett led the debate - the topic "It's Not Easy Going Green" - which featured Ewen Gilmour, Dai Henwood, Irene Pink, Craig Parker and Justine Smith.
Gilmour, Pink and Henwood will be back in action again tonight during the Lindauer Late Laughs from 9pm, topping off another action-packed day, which includes the locals' favourite Winter Festival event.
Queenstown's biggest street party will take over Earnslaw Park and the inner CBD from 5pm with The Racket Mardi Gras.
Dedicated to those who really know how to party, the Mardi Gras parade, featuring community members, stilt walkers and fire dancers, will be led by a samba band before the action is centred on the main stage.
Tahuna Breaks and Batucuda Sound Machine will provide the music for the party which will continue in nightspots around town until the wee hours of tomorrow.
Food stalls set up around the park will provide sustenance, with mulled wine on hand from the Lions tent to warm the hands and the bodies of the thousands expected.
There is more action up Coronet Peak today with the American Express Invitational Ski Race from noon featuring some of New Zealand's most skilled skiers flying down the Coronet course, with several celebrities risking serious damage racing against the clock.
Also at noon is the Mactodd Seniors Complimentary Luncheon at Memorial Hall, where Wakatipu High School pupils will serve up a three-course meal, complete with a drop of sherry, a warming whisky or a glass of Lindauer to ensure they don't miss out on the festival fun.
Today's programme
Noon: American Express Ski Race at Coronet Peak.
Free.5pm: Mardi Gras, downtown Queenstown. Free.
9pm: Lindauer Late Laughs at the Kawarau Falls Station Pavilion. R18, tickets $45 per person.
