Despite the rain, the show went on regardless and all but three events went ahead as planned. The Village Green bustled with colour and a steady flow of visitors to the stalls, Mitchell’s beer garden and children's play area with the Temba Train in particular being a big hit.
With so many events to choose from, the jury is still out deciding on the best, but firm favourites were the Recycled Fashion Show, Anything that Floats, the drive-in, the Dog Walk and Fun Show, the parade and the Goukamma Traverse Trail Run.
The drive in made for cosy entertainment, three nights running - there were cars with foggy windows, and picnics and all recalled days gone by.
With conditions for the Dog Walk and Fun Show, sponsored by Simply Pets, being very much on par with a British summer's day, close on 60 dogs and owners donned raincoats, wellies and umbrellas and arrived in pouring rain to take part and support the Knysna Animal Welfare. Owners and dogs walked the scenic route along Swartvlei’s edge, showed off and left the event wet, happy and laden with great prizes.
The Spar Goukamma Traverse presented by Vivobarefoot, had trail runners raving once again as they crossed the finish line. The runners particularly commented on just how spectacular the Goukamma route was, as well as the fact that they’d never run a full 19km trail run on dune sand before and would certainly be doing some beach training for the event in future.
Imaginations had gone wild for the Anything That Floats, sponsored by Adcock and Ingram, and saw spectators thrilled by floats of all shapes, designs and colour taking to the water. In fact most floats this year actually stayed afloat around the entire water course.
Abees Tavern and the Smutsville Streetbash even attracted the international scene with some Belgians enjoying the local night life. The Blues Concert and Albert Frost at Forest Lodge didn’t disappoint either, the music warmed up the folk and kept the audience well entertained.
Another favourite event that set the tongues wagging was the Out Of The Bin Fashion Show - recycling at its haute couture finest. Talented children paraded their bright recycled outfits on the Village Green with a good audience cheering them on.
The parade on Sunday was the climax of the festival and was filled with all manner of large, bright and wonderful creatures. Easter eggs were plentiful as children ran up to grab more than their fair share from the Easter Bunny himself. The colours were an assault on the eyes with Masithandane’s spectacular Slow banner, the red Sedge Lions, bright and beautiful Little Birds of Happiness, Suz’s horse and carriage, the orange Masi drummers and minstrels and more. The 'Minister of Arts and Vultures' also wowed the children.
View more photos here.
Steve and Hannelie Corder of Team Wacky World having fun during the Anything That Floats competition.
PHOTOS: DESMOND SCHOLTZ
