ordinarily need to travel to exotic destinations around the world.

But Port Pirie's youth enjoyed this and more at last week's Little Day Out as part of the 2006 Youth Week celebrations.

Sporting stars conducting demonstrations for basketball and football, giant twister and snakes and ladders games, and Port Pirie's finest young musical talent playing live was all on offer.

Children were able to use "funny money" to enjoy all these events – including food and drink - for free.

According to 13-year-old Georgia Brown, the day was great fun.

"I get to see all my old friends from Risdon Primary School again," said the John Pirie student.

Her friend Grace Birch said the day was

really important in getting the city's youth together for a good time.

"Kids really need to get out and do more stuff," she said.

Maddison Hollitt said such events should be held more often.

"It is a chance for students to get out and meet people," she said.

Youth and Community Officer for the North East Local Service Area Senior Constable Jodie Gregg-Smith, who organised the event with the Youth Sector Network, said about 900 students attended the event which was a great success.

She said the young people had really enjoyed the bands, "It was excellent to see the young people performing in front of their peers, especially because the bands were made up of both St Mark's and John Pirie students," she said.

Senior Constable Gregg-Smith said next time around she aimed to have more country schools involved in the day.

The Youth Sector Network gained about $5000 in sponsorship from local businesses to hold the event.

Senior Constable Gregg-Smith said the organisers had been "very appreciative" of the gesture.