It is time to revel in the joys of spring as the Magoebaskloof Spring Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary from September 20 to 28.
The blossoms are covering the crab apples with clouds of delicate pink and white flowers, the azaleas are displaying their glorious blooms in a myriad hues and the Japanese flowering cherry trees are creating a fairytale vista across the valleys.
The festival had its beginnings 30 years ago when plant growers, artists and crafts people decided to hold a Spring Fair at the Magoebaskloof Hotel. Since then it has maintained its iconic reputation for offering quality hand-crafted items, locally produced food and plants for sale. The fair also plays a role in the community by sponsoring local crafts people such as the Siloe School for the Blind (basket weavers) as well as bead workers and artists. The Orchid Exhibition offers an amazing display of exotic and indigenous orchids on the lawns of the hotel. Azaleas will also be for sale.
On the 24th the Magoebaskloof Hotel is sponsoring a potjiekos competition with fabulous prizes. There will also be a Shebeen Evening at the Red Post Box with specials on drinks.
Bring the the family for a spitbraai lunch and live entertainment on Heritage Day and join a fun night photography workshop with Alma Whitehead on Saturday September 27.
Scrumptious food will also be available throughout the festival at the hotel’s Coffee Bean coffee shop, in the Tau Restaurant and the Phoenix and Fireman Pub.
Over the years the festival has spread to incorporate the village of Haenertsburg and the surrounding area. A beer fest with a genuine Oompah band and German food takes place on Friday September 19. There will also be a classical music concert with Richard Cock at the Haenertsburg Christian Church at 6.30pm on Friday.
A craft market will be open from September 20 to 24 in the Village Hall.
Events on Saturday 20th include the Logging Contest in which local forestry teams demonstrate their skills and flex their muscles egged on by the spectators. You will also be able do your bit for charity by hugging a tree to raise funds for orphans and vulnerable children in the area.
Botanist Sylvie Kuhne will lead visitors on wild flower walks in the endangered grasslands near the village and Horst Dombrock will be the host at the Hoffbrauhaus where traditional German food will be served on Saturday and Sunday.
On Sunday, The Elms will host a Festival Fashion presentation at 3pm.
On Heritage Day, Sylvie will lead another wild flower walk and Richard Cock will conduct the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra at a concert at the Barnyard Theatre, Stanford Lake Collage at 7pm. Phone 082-575-5738 to book.
A major attraction in the area is Cheerio Gardens, with banks of azaleas and rhododendrons in brilliant colours, set off by masses of crab apple and Japanese flowering cherry blossoms spreading across the valley. Visitors can meander along mossy paths criss-crossed by streams which tumble into the dams. Light meals, teas and picnic lunches will be available at the restaurant.
Alma Whitehead, a top photographer from Polokwane, will run photo workshops at Cheerio Gardens on September 20, 24 and 27. There will also be a photographic competition with great prizes. See www.almawhiteheadphotography.com
The beautiful Kuhestan Garden will also open to the public and Persian delicacies and cordials with be for sale during the festival. Sequoia Gardens will also be open.
Wegraakbosch Organic Farm offers cheese-making tours and will have delicious cheese platters available.
Visitors can enjoy cruises on Ebenezer Dam or go hiking, mountain biking, birding or fishing. There are also adventure sports and the breathtaking Canopy Tour. Local restaurants, pubs and tea gardens will have loads of scrumptious food on offer. Local nurseries will have azaleas, flowering cherries and crab apple trees for sale.
For info call Anne-Marie 082-883-4449 or Linda 082-575-5738 or www.springfestival.co.za
