BRILLIANT weather, fine wine and delicious food – if it sounds like the perfect receipt for success… it was.
On Sunday an estimated 10,000 people enjoyed the sun, sounds and sensational food and drinks at the annual ‘Slice of Haven’ food and wine festival in Laurieton.
Around 50 local businesses delivered gourmet-quality food and local wineries were on hand to ensure there was a wide choice of wine, all very reasonably priced.
Entertainment on the main stage was provided by local bands Ghost Road, Stronghart, Fez N Pluckers, and iChoonz. The dancing culminated in a giant flash mob at the end of the day which saw hundreds join in to dance to Pharrell Williams’ hit ‘Happy’.
In the shady areas of the reserve near McLennan Street, many families found a place to relax while the children played in the giant sandpit or had rides on the carnival amusements.
Another popular chill-out zone was on board Camden Haven Cruises’ vessel the Phar Lap, where visitors could sit and admire the view touring the Camden Haven River, listening to pianist Adam Bishop.
Laurieton Seafoods’ trawler was moored at the jetty and served seafood caught just hours earlier, with a plate of seafood costing just $10.
The helicopter rides by Hastings Valley Helicopters were also full all day.
Mayor Peter Besseling was one of the many who attended, describing The Slice of Haven as; “a fantastic celebration of everything that is good about our region”.
“It is not only the food and drinks from local suppliers, but the way local people value-add that is important,” he said.
Stallholders reported their sales were as good as previous events, while others said they were “smashed.”
Tim Walker from Hastings Co-op, one of the event’s sponsors, said it was great to be able to support a truly local festival.
“We enjoy showing our support for the local people and the chamber of commerce,” Tim said.
Tim and his team served fresh smoothies made from local produce, including milk from Comboyne, yoghurt produced in the factory at Wauchope and honey from Elands.
