Karoo Food Festival

Karoo’s culinary delights on offer at the food festival

The community in Cradock – and those further afield – are licking their lips as they anticipate another exciting Karoo Food Festival, supported by SPAR Eastern Cape, at the end of the month.

This annual gathering to celebrate the culinary experience of wholesome Karoo fare was started in 2013 and this year it will take place from April 29 to May 1.

The festival’s core theme is to provide festivalgoers, both local and from out of town, the opportunity to taste the traditional dishes associated with the region and, in particular, the world-renowned Karoo lamb.

Do not miss out! We have over 60 stalls, food, wine, craft beer, a kids play area, decor, music, entertainment, workshops, fun run and so much more.

Come and enjoy our local hospitality and wide variety of food, drinks & entertainment.

Co-organiser Lisa Ker said the festival’s concept was wider than just sampling Karoo delicacies. “This is a platform to attract people to our town and to bring the local community together, which is something a food festival can do,” she said.

Ker, whose family run accommodation establishments in Cradock, is a member of the local voluntary organisation that hosts the festival.

“Obviously, the centrepiece comprises the food stalls, but we have tapped into the broader community to offer other activities. For instance, we have linked up with Old Mutual, who are organising a trail and social run, while we also profile local cooks and chefs, who provide demonstrations and talks on their skills."

“There are opportunities to go canoeing or to play golf or tennis, so we use all our local resources to make it a community-focused occasion.”

SPAR EC sponsorships and events manager Alan Stapleton said it was “wonderful” to be able to move into the country and support their communities away from the cities in initiatives like plastic pollution awareness. “It is close to our hearts,” he emphasised. “And bringing communities together in a spirit of fun and camaraderie is always special.”

Ker said that it was essential to involve the whole community and therefore the 70 to 80 store holders each employed about four people.

“It’s an opportunity to promote the town and the trendy topic of Karoo food, but also to give members of our community a purpose through the employment opportunities which exist and to give them hope.

“Alan Stapleton (SPAR EC sponsorships and events manager) has such a passion for developing the community, in particularly job creation, and it is really wonderful to have them on board.

Find more information on the Karoo Food Festival’s Facebook page.