Two very Central Otago traditions are back this Sunday (December 28), with cherry pits flying in Cromwell and summer cricket on show in Alexandra.

Locals and holidaymakers alike are in for a classic Southern summer weekend - from stone-spitting and family fun in Cromwell’s heritage precinct to packed embankments at Molyneux Park.

The National Cherry Pit-Spit Championship returns to the gardens of McNulty House in Cromwell, with contestants aiming to out-spit past records in a competition as quirky as it is competitive.

The event features age-based categories for under-6s, under-16s, adult women and adult men. There’s also a “best cherry fest dressed” contest and a colouring competition for tamariki.

The current record to beat is a 15.95-metre spit, launched by Dunedin’s Tui Smith in 2023. In the women’s division, Leah Barnfield’s 9.07-metre effort stands as the top mark.

Pit-spitting isn’t just a Cromwell thing. The quirky tradition is celebrated in cherry-growing towns across the globe, including annual events in Michigan, New South Wales, Germany and Canada. The

Guinness World Record stands at 28.51 metres.

Meanwhile in Alexandra, domestic cricket fans will be heading to Molyneux Park, with men’s and women’s doubleheaders scheduled for both Sunday and Tuesday.

Sunday’s games feature the Otago Sparks versus the Canterbury Magicians, followed by the Otago Volts against the Canterbury Kings. Tuesday brings the Sparks back against the Central Hinds,

before the Volts face the Central Stags.

Otago Cricket Association’s Angus Herron said the Alexandra venue is a summer favourite for players and fans alike.

“We love getting into the districts,” Angus said.

“It’s a different change of scenery for all of us…and the cricket is always a lot of fun to present.”

Last season, Alexandra recorded the highest domestic cricket crowds in the country, thanks to strong local support and the relaxed setting of the willow-lined ground.

“A hot day at Molyneux with packed banks is a picture not many associations have the privilege of seeing,” Angus said.

The timing may also allow some New Zealand internationals to feature, with provincial squads often strengthened during this quieter stretch of the international calendar.

To check out what's happening around Central go to The Central App What's On guide.