Good morning Sunners, and welcome to Thursday, the penultimate day of the working week. The weather feels a bit cooler this morning, but there's still plenty to do in this fine city of ours.

The Mount is the place to be today, with a petting zoo popping up by the beach, and the Knights taking on the Canterbury Kings at the Bay Oval.

From 10am to 2pm at Mount Drury, Barnyard by the Beach is bringing a range of farm animals for kids of all ages to pet. There will be pony rides and other entertainment – great fun for anyone who loves animals.

After warming up with some intense backyard cricket action yesterday, the Knights should be in good form to take on their opponents from Canterbury at the Bay Oval from 4pm. For those who just can't get enough of cricket, tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for juniors, or $30 for a family of five.

A festive Tauranga Farmers Market is also on at Tauranga Primary School, since there isn't one on Saturday – so check it out.

WHAT'S ON – Thursday, December 29:

Festive Market

Tauranga Farmers Market at Tauranga Primary School, cnr 5th Ave/Cameron Rd 2.30-5.30pm. No markets Dec 24 & 31

McDonald's Super Smash

Knights vs Kings, Bay Oval, Blake Park, Kawaka St, Mount 4-7pm. This is cricket on the edge. http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=SMASHBAY17

Petanque

Cliff Road Club every Thurs & Sun at Cliff Rd 1pm. Equipment & tuition available. Charles 570 1099

Step by Step

Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting every Thurs at Salvation Army Hall, Eversham St, Bayfair 7.30pm.