Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Leisure Isle comes alive every year with fun-filled activities and stalls during their annual festival and this year was no different.
This year’s two-day event took place on the weekend of 4 November and the 117 stalls left visitors spoilt for choice.
Peter Smith from the organising committee said the turnout was "absolutely amazing".
He said locals were visiting and staying longer and purchasing items – with some of the proceeds going to nine local charities.
The impression of some stallholders was that the attendance was better, but people's budgets were smaller than previous years.
The festival catered for all ages and a variety of interests and tastes, attracting plant lovers, food lovers, art and craft collectors, fashionistas and bookworms while little ones were entertained with games and face painting. A car display kept many of the male folk engaged.
Craig van Leeve was enjoying the beautiful weather.
Smith said this year they had a new section, the demonstration area, where festivalgoers got to see how some of the items for sale were made.
He added that they also had more informal traders (stalls by people who didn’t pay the R150 entry fee) selling quality products.
Stallholder Craig van Leeve said, “I’ve made a few sales and I’m enjoying this beautiful weather – it’s a nice change from last year’s rain.”
Amina Ribeiro (right) with her friend Doreen Banda who helped at the stall.
Another, Amina Ribeiro, who was selling African artefacts said, “We’re excited to be part of the festival again. We’ve made business but, I must say, compared to last year it is quieter in terms of sales.”
Cecilia Kern said she received a great response to her paintings, jewellery and bags but hoped, as a fire victim, to make sales.
First-timer at the festival was Rose Hobson, who said she will be back next year.
Rose Hobson said it was her first time being part of the festival. “Locals were very friendly and I sold a few items, so I’m definitely coming back next year.”
Read a previous article: Treasures at Leisure Isle Fest
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