This year the festival generated economic activity of R600 000 for the Knysna coffers.
Bright and early, the loyal yellow committee brigade gathered at 07:00 on Saturday, November 1 to begin welcoming exhibitors for the two-day event and to assist them with in setting up. No sooner were they set up when the first visitors started arriving shortly before 09:00. Soon the streets were lined with cars as a relaxed and inviting energy flowed from every inviting stall and curiosity.
"It was great to see all the local faces, visitors to Knysna and especially amazing to hear so many foreign languages at the venue - all amazed at the selection of goods available and in awe of the atmosphere created on the park. It was truly a great kick-off to the festive season," gushed Roger Voysey, festival committee coordinator. "Well done to you all – we can indeed be very proud of such a magnificent result."
Last year R152 000 was raised for Hospice, the ePap children feeding scheme, Knysna Animal Welfare Society, the Loerihof Old Age Home and Steenbok Nature Reserve and they have remained the same popular beneficiaries for this year. As in the past, these well-known beneficiaries actively participated in running the tea garden, book sales, bar, walks and plant sales, once again allowing the public to generously support the charities close to Knysna's heart. In addition, there were over 100 exhibitors representing local artists, crafters, home and local businesses who rented sites and contributed 10% of their takings to a pool for distribution to the nominated beneficiaries.
"Besides the financial support given, the festival is well-known for the tremendous community spirit that it generates," said Voysey.
Some of the changes this year was that the venue was moved to Kingsway Park, East of Sotheby’s. The festival committee felt that by doing this it would overcome the North/ South division of the past, and the road passing through the middle.
Sotheby’s continued as founder sponsor whilst the co-sponsorship of Knysna Tourism gave a significant boost to publicity. Allsound Security provided security sponsorship, which is necessary as the festival moved away from the guard hut.
"Greater attention has been given to creating an amazing ambiance with lots of colour and attractive décor, which it was clear everyone loved," explained Voysey. The logo of the festival was also changed and received positively.
The other festival committee members were Peter Godsell as deputy and representative of the beneficiaries, Lorr Scanlen who introduced lots of exciting ideas and concepts, Niall Johnston who looked after the setting up and Johan van Schalkwyk and Glendyrr Fick who represented Knysna Tourism.
Van Schalkwyk applauded his colleagues: "Well done to the committee of volunteers under leadership of Roger Voysey, who tirelessly went about making this event an absolute success – despite the grey clouds hanging over Knysna on day one."
The festive atmosphere at the Leisure Island Festival attracted hundreds of market-goers who supported stall-holders, enjoyed the live pipe band and returned home with local products galore.
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