"Vendors had a successful day and the punters really enjoyed it. The amount of people there at 6pm when the festival shut down were testament to how well it went."
Rob's business, Smokey's, was so successful they ran out of product - their popular gurnard roll with garlic aoli and avocado coriander mousse proving a winner.
"We will be back next year," he says.
The cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs Peter Blakeway and Jimmy Boswell were a hit with the big tent filled each time.
Rob says they are already talking to sponsors for next year in regard to the demonstrations and overall sponsorship as well.
Also a newcomer on the committee, Jacqui Knight agreed it was a great day which had positive feedback.
"The atmosphere was relaxing and everyone was having fun. I saw people running up to dance when Richard O'Brien came on, and The Beat Girls were excellent."
She says entertainers David Taipari and Kokomo have already booked to come back next year and Troupe Waihi will bring their full troupe next time.
Raewyn Sykes, another committee newcomer, had positive feedback from stallholders.
Katikati winery, Leveret Estate's Cellar Door manager Nick Hargreaves found it a huge success.
"We had a constant stream of people at our stand, the Leveret IQ Bubbles and the Sauvignon Blanc being the most popular."
"Sales were up compared to the previous year - we will be back next year."
Little Miss J coffee cart owner Julia Ormsby reported she had a great trading day and Bronwyn and Stu Marshall from Rocky Knob Brewing Company said they loved being part of the event.
"For us it was a great way to connect with the local community and to visitors to the area and showcase our products and company."
Visitors to Jenny Hobbs Upbeat Health stall included the chef from the Hermitage at Mount Cook and a cosmetic surgeon from Auckland, along with many Bay residents, including locals, both new and established.
She had 50 or more conversations about food intolerance and how Biohawk products could help.
Jenny's non-alcoholic Kombucha drink was popular given the warm temperatures and the organic, raw, vegan, avocado cheesecake and vegan chocolate semifreddo ice-cream (also made with avocado) got rave reviews and almost sold out.
"It was a very successful day for me and I really enjoyed the happy vibe."
The Lions Club of Katikati provided tasty food from their stall - oriental chicken served on a bed of lettuce and salsa. Clive Bainbridge cooked the chicken to perfection with assistants Josie, Jean and Andrew putting it all together and serving customers.
The Harcourts Free Kidz Zone was also a huge success. Harcourts Coast Realty general manager Greg Sheppard said they were proud to have been able to be part of this event through The Harcourts Foundation.
"The kids really enjoyed the castles, slides, roundabout and entertainers. The whole event had a friendly, family feel and we can't wait to be part of it again next year."
Craft Alley was a new addition this year, with about 15 stallholders selling their wares.
Waihi artist Shane Walker had some of his work for sale and said he really enjoyed the atmosphere of the festival.
Mark your calendars for the 2018 festival, which set for January 13.
