Entertainment a top ingredient of Karoo Food Festival

The entertainment programme will form an integral part of the Karoo Food Festival when it takes place in Cradock from April 30 to May 2.

A wide range of live entertainment will add to the festivities at the Karoo Food Festival, supported by SPAR Eastern Cape, in Cradock next weekend.

Lisa Ker, who is part of the organising committee, said they were excited to include variety in the three-day programme, which starts on April 30.

The objective of the occasion is to give festivalgoers a chance to taste traditional Karoo fare, but Ker said it extended beyond that as they used all the resources of the local community to provide a weekend to remember.

Besides sampling Karoo delicacies, there will be a trail run, cooking demonstrations, potjiekos competition and entertainment that includes everything from mime artists to a karaoke evening.

“Live music and various forms of entertainment have always been part of our programme,” Ker said.

“Adding to the rural nature of our festival, we had musos playing on the back of a big truck last year.”

With Kelston Motor Group sponsoring the entertainment tent, it therefore comes as no surprise that the automotive aspect is entrenched in this year’s Karoo Food Festival.

Ker said the entertainment tent would be surrounded by all kinds of food and drinks stalls, but one side would be set up for the potjiekos competition on Sunday, which has a first prize of R2 500.

Kelston marketing manager Bev Venter said they were involved for the first time this year.

“We were approached by the organisers and as we have many dealerships in the Karoo region, from Graaff-Reinet to Queenstown, it was only natural that we would want to be part of such an important community event,” she said.

“Simply put, we are Eastern Capers at heart – and proudly so. We love the Eastern Cape and everything about it and we understand the people – we are them!”

Venter added that they would have active displays of eight of the group’s vehicle brands at the market in the town centre on the Friday evening and around the entertainment tent on Saturday and Sunday.

“As a company with a wide customer base our message is that Kelston is with you for life. We walk with our customers throughout their lifetime – from first car to the downscale.

“Because we are a family-owned and run business, we understand family and how your car becomes an integral part of it.

“We look forward to connecting with you once more at the Karoo Food Festival.”

Cradock chartered accountant firm Theron du Plessis is behind the entertainment stage.

The line-up of artists includes Gqeberha muso Joe van der Linden and mime artist Richard Antrobus.

In addition, Emma Ellis, also a musician from Gqeberha, will host a karaoke evening on Saturday for those who fancy themselves as budding singers.

For the full programme of events and more information, go to Karoo Food Festival on Facebook.