It may look like a cloudy day outside, but there is still plenty of things be doing in Tauranga.

A big crowd is expected to the Interislander Summer Festival Race Day today at Tauranga Race course.

The nine race programme gets underway at 1.20pm, with a top class field for the Gartshore Retail Fit Outs open handicap 1400.

Whilst only five horses will start, the field is headed by top weight Stolen Dance with 8 career wins.

The Peter Mckay trained Antonio Lombardo, with career stakes of nearly $700,000 last win came here a year ago, but it's better than the form suggests.

The New World Summer Cup, over 1300 meters, will race at 4.48pm and the Stephen McKee trained O'Rachael will be looking to repeat her win, of two weeks back, here in Tauranga.

The track is currently a good three with the rail in the true position, and the nine race programme will wind up at 5.58pm, says Racing Tauranga's Andrew Love.

'Traditional this meeting attracts the biggest crowd of the year, where there is free children's entertainment, including sack races and other entertainment with prizes to be won.

'A $10 gate charge, and BYO limits will apply.”

If you want to get in for free, take the front page of the December 30 issue of the Weekend Sun.

If you don't have a copy, head down to our office at No 1 The Strand to get a copy today.

See what else is happening in and around Tauranga below:

Monday 2 January

Citizens Advice Bureau

For free, confidential information & advice about anything call in Mon -Fri 9am-5pm 38 Hamilton Street, Tauranga or Freephone 0800 367 222 or 578 1592. JP Service every Mon 1-4pm, Weds & Thurs 9 -1 1.30am & Fri 2-4pm & Migrant Clinics Tues - Fri 1-4pm. All welcome. No appointment necessary. Employments Disputes Clinic fortnightly Tues - appointments necessary. New CAB Papamoa Satellite Service each Tues, Weds & Thurs 10am - 1pm weekly – closed until January 10. All welcome, no appointment necessary.

Diabetes Help

Need help with your diabetes over the holidays? Ring our INFOLine for free confidential advice 571 3422

Harmony a Plenty Barbershop Chorus

Every Mon at Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd 7pm. New members welcome. Wilf 571 5576 or www.harmonyaplenty.co.nz

Meditation - Free Classes

Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm at Bellevue. Find peace, truth & wellbeing, its right inside you. David/Trisha 570 1204

More FM Teddy Bear's Picnic

At Beach Base, Mount Drury 10am - 1pm. Free event.

Papamoa Lions Club Market

Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry. Ph Wayne 027 974 5699

Tauranga Rock n Roll Club Inc

Club night every Mon at Tauranga RSA, Cameron Rd, Greerton 8pm. Relaxed, social evening of dancing. Members $3, non-members $5. Visitors welcome. Check the Facebook pages. Trina 575 7461 a/hs