Festival attracts thousands
LOCH experienced severe flooding last Sunday but the rain was not to blame.
In excess of 3500 people flocked to the small town, parking in any space possible for the chance to wander through the village for the annual Loch Food and Wine Festival.
Festival committee member Graham Hastie said the day was “absolutely brilliant”.
“We had more than we could even cope with really – it was a huge group of people,” he said.
“The carparks couldn’t fit them all. We had cars parked all over the reserve and in the Lions Club carpark, which indicated a great response.”
Mr Hastie said the registrations for wine tastings were also up on last year’s numbers.
With the region’s finest exhibitors on display, visitors enjoyed wine tastings, gourmet cheeses and even stopping for a meal at one of the many cafes.
Mr Hastie said the rain failed to keep people away, with umbrellas lining the footpaths as people strolled through the variety of stalls.
“The weather had us concerned a little but it was just the icing on the cake. Everyone seemed to love the weather. They wouldn’t go away!” he laughed.
“Ninety-eight per cent of all our stall-holders sold out of their produce and the cooking demonstrations were very popular. The wine tasting venue was also a great success this year, which was a new innovation.”
The event was a great family day, with plenty of entertainment for young and old.
Mr Hastie said the festival would not have been possible without the hard work of the main organisers Howard Booth, Cherie Smirl and Liz Hickey.
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