Feast for the senses in Motueka
It was a feast for the senses at the Motueka Kai Fest with the smell of cooking, live music and a sea of visitors.
Hundreds ambled through Decks Reserve yesterday, for the second year of the event that is clearly gaining momentum.
It was a double whammy for Motueka visitors with the usual Sunday Market backing on to the Kai Fest which ran from 10am to 3pm.
An entertainment stage came alive with dancers and music which was kicked off at 11am with a parade involving the Motueka area schools with the assistance of seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands with their unique dances and sound.
The scent of food was everywhere. Many ethnic foods were represented including Asian, French, German, Mexican and Japanese.
Locally made foods from the big businesses to the small operaters sold fish, kombucha and crackers.
The always popular Smoking Barrel doughnuts were selling like hot cakes - but only if cash was on hand.
Many stalls displayed signs of ‘We accept EFTPOS’ or ‘ Cash Only’ which limited some customer’s options.
Nelson woman Maggie Horne was a first-timer to the event.
She said the festival was ‘‘amazing’’.
‘‘It’s got a lovely atmosphere, there’s a lot of people here, and entertainment and the food’s good.’’
The only drawback, she said was finding a park.
Te Awhina Marae was fundraising to replenish its kitchen with traditional hangi food for sale.
Marae board member Rima Piggott said the popular hangi was prepared with the ‘‘real McCoy’’ method at the marae the previous day.