You’re cruising past familiar hardware shops and fast-food outlets when suddenly, wha…?

A gigantic cupid surrounded by 10 oversized goldfish in mock terrazzo ponds?

Have the good burghers of Mount Barker District Council gone mad? Have they commissioned some folly to trump Tailem Bend’s rhino or Kingston’s cray?

No, they’ve partnered with the Adelaide Festival to delight you and your family.

The world’s first inflatable fountain is brought to you by ENESS, the creators of Airship Orchestra, of Illuminate Adelaide.

This five-metre-high cherub may also boast cute LED eyes and an interactive soundtrack, but he’s prone to squirting you with jets of water – and on a scorching summer afternoon that’s nothing to whinge about.

ENESS are an Australian collective of artists, musicians, software engineers, industrial designers and thinkers who have been making truly wonderful things since 1997.

They call themselves ‘Happiness Architects’ and their aim is to change public space by introducing unexpected artworks that forge deeper moments between friends, family and enable strangers to meet and find common ground.

We think that’s about the best mission statement ever.

The knavish lad is holding court for six fun-filled days only. Pack the kids in the car and zip up to Mount Barker. Make a day of it!

Event Details

Dates: March 9 – March 14
Time: 10am – 10pm daily
Address: Keith Stephenson Park, Adelaide Road, Mount Barker
Cost: Free

Please note, small wading pools with approx. 10cm water feature in the installation. Children must be supervised at all times.

For more information:adelaidefestival.com.au/events/cupids-koi-garden