The Ocean and Orchard Wine & Food Festival 2012 was a huge success.
With more than 1150 people attending – 30% more than last year’s inaugural event – organisers are confident that the festival will grow each year.
“Kerikeri’s second Ocean and Orchard festival has cemented its place on the Bay of Islands’ culinary calendar” Peter de Graaf (Northern Advocate Feb 28, 2012)
The main purpose of the event is to attract visitors to Kerikeri, and the Bay of Islands
Region and to showcase local food and wine and the area’s talented entertainers.
“The festival was good for the town and a good way of attracting visitors” (says)Grant Robertson of Kerikeri, winner of the medal for Champion Oyster Eater.
The adult entry fee of $20 included a free souvenir wine glass of bubbly, access to food and wine at around $5 per glass or food portion and a great afternoon of entertainment. “We want people to go away feeling that they have had a great experience and want to come back again” say organisers. And that seems to be the case …..
“Best value wine and food festival we’ve ever been to” and
“fantastic entertainment – really appropriate music for the whole event and it was great to get up and dance and have an afternoon of fun” say two happy festival-goers.
Always held on the final Saturday in February, next year’s event will be on Saturday 23rd February 2013. We look forward to seeing you there!!
The website will be updated with information about the 2013 event by 1st October 2012.
Organisers wish to thank:
Sponsors: Classic Hits of The Radio Network, Mondo Travel Kerikeri, Orangewood Ltd, Design & Print Kerikeri, Skydive Zone, New World Kerikeri, The Bay Chronicle, Northern News, Media Moguls, Dive North, Palmco, Keoghans Showcase Jewellers, Wasteworks, Arohanui Child Care Centre, A1 Security.
Grants: Oxford Sports Trust, Pub Charity, Far North District Council
Donors of Spot Prizes: Keri Putt, Makana Confections, The Parrot Place, Poppies Bookshop, Kings Court Interiors, Lowes & Partners Optometrists, The Scullery, Pool Warehouse, Shoestyles, NZ Fire Service, The Pear Tree.
Valued Assistance of: BDO, Irwin Lawson (Media Moguls), Rachael Johnston (Above Zero), Claire Brooks (Homestead Bar and Bistro), Warrick Hyland, Scott, Lynne and Logan Alexander, Pete Gentil, Harvies Landscape Plants, Kwan Garden Centre, Kim Harris and all those who assisted with set up, break down and on the day of the festival.
