The Harvest Festival is on again!
Now in its third year, this has become a well-loved annual event.
Top left: Corinna Wright competing in the wine spitting competition. Bottom left: Joe Petrucci celebrating the harvest. Above: Feeding the lamb in the petting farm tent.
The first year was great and surpassed all expectations; the second was even better. The festival celebrates the diversity of people, food, wine, music and arts from the McLaren Vale region. This event brings together local arts, produce, culture – everything that makes up the varied life of the region. The Harvest Festival McLaren Vale Association Inc embraces all people. It is an affordable, family-friendly occasion where those of any age are able to gather, participate, feast and play. The Harvest Festival is celebrated in 3 parts. 1. Saturday January 18 is ‘family day’ on the McLaren Vale Oval with live music throughout. The big marquee will host Cheong Liew cooking demonstrations, while other marquees will be the venues for
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food, wine, beer and cider – all of it local! There will be a small regional produce market, plus Master Classes in cheese and wine, olive oil and olives, beer and chocolate. On the grounds there’ll be fun for the kids from pony rides to wall climbing and even the Amazing Drumming Monkeys. There is more, with a Celebrity Challenge and the Blessing of the Harvest. 2. Friday December 13 is the opening of the Harvest Art Exhibition featuring creative talent of the Fleurieu. 3. Friday January 17 the Feast McLaren Vale Gala Dinner will be an evening of fine foods and wine to acknowledge the very much appreciated support of the Festival’s sponsors. Tickets available from www.harvestfestivalmclarenvale.com.au. All this raises funds for the McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital to provide them with much-needed support to enable them to continue supporting the health of the community. Photos courtesy of Heidi Linehan.