KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Timber Initiative has invited exhibitors to book their stands early for this year’s Knysna Timber Festival, which will take place from September 29 September to October 1.
The event will go ahead at its traditional venue at Timber Village, which is currently being rebuilt after having been destroyed in the fires.
“We’re hoping that suppliers and businesses that use timber will come up with creative ideas to showcase the value of wood to us all, both as the Garden Route rebuilds, and in the economy in general,” said festival manager Picca de Bruin.
“With additional space available this year, we’ve got room for things like mock-ups – the partially built wall of a timber-frame house, for example – that illustrate timber’s versatility.”
INDUSTRY MEET-UP
De Bruin said that the organisers are hoping that suppliers of heavy machinery, such as plantation equipment, tractors, mills, pole strippers, and so on, will take the opportunity to show their products to the market.
“This year’s festival is going to be even more important than ever because it will be the first opportunity after the fires for everyone in the industry to meet up, and share creative new ways of restarting and regrowing the Garden Route’s timber economy.”
She said that space will be available in indoor and outdoor exhibitions and demonstrations areas for timber growers, merchants and buyers, wood millers, tool suppliers, furniture manufacturers, boat builders, architects, designers, decorators, builders, and hobbyists.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
This year’s festival will be presented with the help of Sanlam, and the programme will include talks, presentations, and films about wood and working with wood – with activities for children and adults alike, and with a happy entertainment area with live music, a beer tent, and a children’s play space.
“One of the highlights for many of us will be seeing Knysna’s new Wood-Mizer LT20B Diesel portable sawmill in operation for the first time,” said De Bruin.
“Wood-Mizer’s international head office donated it to the Knysna Timber Initiative to help with the rebuilding of damaged houses, and, in the longer term, for training operators in the use of band sawmills – and we’re currently building a shed to house it permanently at Timber Village.
“Woodoc Food for Wood will also be with us with its Woodoc owl box project, since they’re keen to get more kids involved in the festival, and in woodworking in general,” she said.
STAND BOOKINGS
“Stands are selling fast, and we want to accommodate as many exhibitors as we can, so please contact me as soon as possible on info@timberfestival.co.za to make sure that your company’s on show as #KnysnaRises at the 2017 Knysna Timber Festival,” said De Bruin.
* More info: www.timberfestival.co.za
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
