KNYSNA NEWS - Preparations are in full swing for the 39th Knysna Oyster Festival that kicks off in less than a month.
The programme for this year's festival taking place from 1 to 10 July includes a vast selection of events in different areas of greater Knysna.
Festival manager Andrew Finn said the best way to experience the festival is to make sure you are in Knysna for all 10 days. "Highlights of the first weekend are the two-day Knysna Cycle Tour, the Featherbed Trail Run, the Garden Route Trail Park Sunrise Run, the Harbour to Heads Lagoon Challenge and the Off-road Adventure into Back and Beyond," Finn said.
The venues in the Knysna area showcase the region's beautiful surroundings and Knysna's best assets - the indigenous forest, the Knysna lagoon, Featherbed Nature Reserve and the countryside in the Rheenendal/Barrington area.
"The midweek is packed with adventures of a different kind and it is the ideal time to relax and reconnect with the family. The Mudflats and Rocky Shores Guided Tours are great family outings exploring the mudflats around Leisure Island and the rock pools at the Knysna Heads," Finn explained. "Or dress up like a pirate and take part in the treasure hunt on the local Black Pearl.
"On Thursday the KnysnaX Trailrun Series has routes for all ages and fitness levels - and it is a great warm-up session for the 37th Knysna Forest Marathon or Half Marathon at the weekend."
Food and wine have always been a popular part of the programme and according to Finn, this year will not disappoint. "Oyster lovers will be delighted to hear that the oyster specials at the Savanna Oyster Hotspots are back this year, and wine aficionados will be able to taste over 200 wines from more than 50 different wine estates at the Knysna Wine Festival."
The second weekend has an easy start with the Oyster Better Ball Golf Championship hosted by Knysna Golf Club on Friday, but the pace picks up quickly as more than 6 000 participants in the 37th Knysna Forest Marathon & Half Marathon are transported to the start at the Glebe at 04:00 on Saturday.
Finn said they are looking forward to a great, and busy, 10 days. "Other activities include live music at various venues, the Oyster Inter-schools Chess and Open Rapid chess tournaments, the 'Boats of Knysna' Expo on both weekends at the Knysna Waterfront, art and craft sessions, forest experiences and workshops. The festival is using Knysna's natural playground to create great experiences in wide open spaces, enjoying the best life has to offer with family and friends."
For further information, visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za, email info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za or call Visit Knysna on 063 649 1057.
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