Bathurst keeps its laid-back, quirky style

THIS year’s Bathurst Country Affair was not as busy as before – but locals who rallied to save the event said that’s the way they liked it in the bucolic Settler village.

The village kept up its reputation for eccentricity with a bokdrol spitting competition, which saw contestants spitting buck droppings as far as they could.

“It sounded like a bad idea putting poop in your mouth, but it’s just grass,” one youngster said.

Village trader Anne Katz said: “I’m not complaining. Sales have been good. I am glad the locals made it happen.”

Although nowhere near the record 6 000 people a day who pitched up at the previous two fairs, there were enough bookings to eat fine food in historic homes and hotels, and boost sales of homemade speciality booze.

“The event this year is more in line with the character of Bathurst. It is more organic and less corporate,” said organiser Tanya Schenk.

Rescued from the scrap heap after funding dried up, locals rallied and volunteered their services and cash to make it happen.

“The key is to keep momentum going. If we did not have it this year it would have been hard to revive next time round.

“This is the Sunshine Coast’s premier event. It is still evolving and will be even better next year,” said Schenk.

Top big city chef Lara Krull, who opened her popular Lara’s Eatery in the village a year ago when she moved back to the area, said the fine food faire had been a huge hit.

“It was hectic, but as a chef I am used to it. It was a great success.”

Krull and several other chefs, including radio personality Charl Leslie, cooked up a storm at several venues in the village. Some, like Krull, used locally sourced and grown village produce, instead of buying from supermarket shelves.

Launched two months ago near the 200-year-old Pig and Whistle hotel, the Old Farmers Deli was also a huge hit with visitors and locals.

Co-owner Ian Bongo Kirk said business had been “absolutely crazy” over the weekend.

Kirk, who specialises in German cold meat sourced locally and from the Border region, said he almost ran out of stock.

His business partner Sandra Vogel said free samples of the food they sold proved very popular.

“The way to any customer’s heart is definitely through their stomach,” she quipped.

Bathurst’s quirky reputation did not disappoint as characters like “Kennedy the horse” entertained visitors on the streets giving rides for children. The horse strolled in to slake its thirst at the bar, causing mayhem.

Pig and Whistle owner Cherie Dewey said although Kennedy loved hanging out in the Pig pub, he was a teetotaller and only drank water.

Manager Mervyn Kaine said he was used to seeing the horse in the pub. “Like they say, there is no thirst like Bathurst.” —