Salmon, wine enthusiasts arrive early for festival
About 200 people had already lined up at the gate when Twizel’s largest annual market opened its doors.
The band Saggy Britches was playing and busker Louise Kerr, transformed into Lieutenant Lou by a clown nose and police uniform, was entertaining the queue ahead of the midday start for the 14th annual Twizel Salmon and Wine Festival on Saturday.
Early numbers topped those of last year, with about 1200 more filtering in throughout the day, Twizel Promotion and Development Association spokeswoman Nicola Collins said. ‘‘Each year it just keeps getting bigger and bigger,’’ she said.
‘‘People are putting it into their event calendar pretty early.’’
The nearby New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha had helped boost numbers, she said.
Salmon and wine enthusiasts travelled from Timaru, Dunedin, Queenstown, and other parts of the Mackenzie District to sample the 36 stalls.
‘‘Just being out in the sun, in this environment with the music and everything, is a bit of a highlight.’’ The festival was wellsupported by the people of Twizel as well, she said.
‘‘It’s cool to have it for the whole community and for out-oftowners to see what we have to offer in general.’’
A sushi vendor from San Diego, California in the United States travelled furthest for the festival, to support one of his suppliers: Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. There were 20 volunteers helping on the day.
‘‘Husbands, partners get dragged along,’’ Collins joked.
She said money raised through gate sales went back into Twizel Promotions – which supported community operations such as schools and the Cancer Society.