Parkhurst showed up in full force this past Saturday as the Parkhurst Village Fair transformed Verity Park into a lively celebration of local life, entertainment and community spirit.
Families, residents and visitors gathered for a day filled with food, music, wellness activities and entertainment. Hosted by the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (PRABOA), the annual Fair brought local businesses, families and their four-legged companions together in one of Johannesburg’s neighbourhood gathering spots.
From the Village Market to the Kids’ Zone, there was something happening across the park. Yet beyond the food, performances and family activities, the Fair also created space for an important community message: breast cancer awareness.
Vuma Brings Family-Friendly Fun to Parkhurst
As the Fair’s headline sponsor, Vuma helped create experiences designed to make the day enjoyable for families and their pets.
The Vuma Connected Creative Station gave children an opportunity to express themselves through colouring and creative activities. Meanwhile, Vuma-supported dog hydration stations helped keep four-legged visitors hydrated as they explored the venue with their owners.
The Vuma stand also attracted plenty of interest, with special rewards available to the first 100 guests.
Simon Butler, Chief Commercial Officer at Vuma, welcomed the strong community turnout.
“It was fantastic to see Parkhurst out in full force,” Butler said, describing the energy across the park and the participation of children, families and their dogs.
He added that Vuma was pleased to be part of the event and contribute to making the day special for the community.
A 5km Fun Run With a Purpose
The day’s activities began earlier in the morning with the 5km Fun Run/Walk, organised in partnership with Pirates Running Club and PinkDrive.
The initiative supported breast cancer awareness during October, bringing movement and community participation together around an important cause.
PinkDrive’s mobile screening unit was also on site, offering eligible community members access to screening services and information.
Another meaningful feature was the Pink Memory Wall. Visitors could leave messages and remember loved ones affected by breast cancer, creating a space for reflection and shared experiences.
The neighbourhood also turned pink through the Paint Parkhurst Pink initiative, making the campaign’s message visible throughout the day.
Together, these activities gave the Fair a purpose beyond entertainment, encouraging awareness and providing opportunities for community engagement.
Local Businesses Take Centre Stage
The Village Market offered local businesses and makers an opportunity to showcase their products to residents and visitors.
For participating businesses, the Fair provided a direct connection with people who live, work and spend time in Parkhurst. For visitors, it was an opportunity to discover local offerings and support businesses within their community.
Live music and performances kept the entertainment stage active, adding to the lively atmosphere throughout the park.
The Village Vibes beer garden offered another place to unwind, with local breweries, distilleries, wine and champagne available.
From browsing market stalls to catching live performances, visitors could explore different experiences while enjoying the neighbourhood’s welcoming atmosphere.
Kids, Dogs and a Rusk-Off Showdown
Families had plenty to enjoy, with the Kids’ Zone providing activities for younger visitors.
The much-loved Dog Competition also attracted attention, bringing dogs and their owners into the spotlight as spectators gathered to watch.
Food enthusiasts had another reason to visit, with the Parkhurst Rusk-Off returning for its second year.
Local bakers competed for neighbourhood bragging rights, hoping to impress returning judge YaYa. The competition added a distinctly local flavour to a programme that celebrated both community traditions and small businesses.
These activities helped make the Fair an event for different generations, interests and members of the Parkhurst community.
More Than a Day Out
The Parkhurst Village Fair demonstrated how a neighbourhood event can bring different parts of a community together.
Local businesses gained an opportunity to connect with potential customers. Families enjoyed a day of entertainment close to home. Children explored creative activities, while dog owners brought their pets along to join the fun.
At the same time, the partnership with PinkDrive placed breast cancer awareness at the heart of the day’s programme.
With activities continuing until 5pm, Verity Park hosted a full day of entertainment, wellness initiatives, local shopping and community connection.
The result was a celebration that brought Parkhurst together while highlighting the value of supporting local businesses and making room for causes that matter.
From the morning’s 5km Fun Run/Walk to the final hours of the Fair, the event offered a reminder that a strong community is built through shared experiences, local support and people coming together for a common purpose.
