According to visitors, they thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the timber industry.
With the generous sponsorship of Vermont Sales, this inaugural festival gave more than thirty local timber-related industries and Vermont Sales the opportunity to exhibit their wares to the many visitors and their children.
"As an exhibitor the Working with Wood Festival was an exceptional experience. To be able to network with people in a related industry was eye-opening on so many levels,"said Cecily Pohl, Print Studio exhibitor. "The skill and passion that was shared between other exhibitors and guests was inspirational," Pohl enthused.
Timber Village owner, Jock McConnachie shared his "very upbeat" feelings about the inaugural Working with Wood Festival which, according to him was "a resounding success". "I have heard nothing but positive feedback and believe that it provided the ideal kick-start for the revival of Knysna's timber and furniture industry."
Mindi Hunt, who with her husband Roland owns Vermont Sales echoed McConnachie's sentiment. "Over all, Vermont Sales and team are delighted with the feedback we have received during the festival."
Gene Kruger of Knysna Timber Initiative, held several enjoyable and educational workshops for children aged around eight years. The enthusiasm of the children was wonderful to experience as they made their own treasure boxes.
Not only did wood and timber-related industries benefit from the festival, but the Lions Club Sedgefield was given the opportunity to raise funds by selling Bonnievale wine and local craft beers, Red Bridge and Mitchell's.
The Knysna Tourism Living Local Green Chefs too benefited from the festival as they were given the opportunity to provide the food to hungry festival visitors, crew and exhibitors. "This was a great opportunity for the chefs. They certainly learned a lot from the experience," said Knysna Tourism development manager, Glendyrr Fick.
McConnachie concluded "All in all, it was an interesting, informative and fun festival which provided a truly authentic Knysna experience, showcasing the rich heritage of our famous forests and woodworking tradition and highlighting its inherent potential to grow the industry for the benefit of all."
Jeff Chipala enthralled Working with Wood Festival visitors with his unbelievable wood-carving talent. Photo: Fran Kirsten.
The beautifully hand-carved fishermen in their fishing boat, created by Jeff Chipala was a show stopper at the recent Working with Wood Festival. Photo: Fran Kirsten.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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