Take one well-fed cow and a large field, to create the perfect recipe for the signature event of the Bethlehem School Gala.

The school gala took place today and attracted large crowds.

Onlookers wait for the cow to deliver the result of the Cow Dump event at the Bethlehem School Gala today.

The Cow Dump is the gala's main event – with the chance to win $2000 or one of the eight runner-up prizes of $200 for matching a pre-purchased ticket to the square on the field where the cow eventually ‘deposits'.

The gala has plenty of other stalls and entertainment such as popping mystery balloons, finding buried treasure, decorating cupcakes and even ‘splatting a rat'.

For the more adventurous and energetic, Waimarino are bringing along the horizontal bungy, popular zorb balls and there is also a bouncy castle and a huge inflatable slide.

There was a party atmosphere as the younger talent are on show with the final of ‘Bethlehem Idol' – a competition that has been running for the last two weeks, being judged and presented on the day.

Parent Teachers Association's Janeen Vickers says the event has been hugely successful in raising funds to support the needs of the school over the years.

'This event is our most significant fundraiser for the year and with it comes the opportunity to be able to provide financial support to our school in their bid to provide the most up-to-date equipment, facilities and of course an exciting and stimulating curriculum programme. The funds raised on the day go to support a number of projects across the school.”

Janeen says this year, the main portion of fund is going towards a new E-learning programme that teaches students safe usage of computers and safe sites, as well as towards six new computers in the classrooms.

A SunLive photographer was at the school to capture the fun and excitement of the event.