Shade in demand at Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival

Tents and gazebos dotted around the Uretara Domain provided welcome shade at Saturday's Avocado Food and Wine Festival.

Queues were at the gate with people almost running to find spots in the shade at the Uretara Domain at Saturday's Avocado Food and Wine Festival.

People from as far away as Wellington, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay came to the festival to enjoy what Katikati had to offer.

One or two had avocado orchards and were keen to be part of the festival.

Final attendance numbers are still to be confirmed but are similar to last year — about 3000.

"We have received a lot of positive feedback from sponsors, vendors and those who had a chance to enjoy the day," said festival committee member Jacqui Knight.

"The festival improves each year. This year had such a relaxed atmosphere. It was so hot but everyone was chilling out under the tents."

There was a great range in the vendor selection of food and beverages with stalls set up around the perimeter.

The popularity of the event has grown and the committee had to close off vendor applications due to being fully booked.

Langos bread puffs proved popular along with the avocado ice blocks and ice-creams.
The committee will have a debrief next week.

Jacqui said she thinks the formula for the festival is pretty good.

"Overall, it was another successful event completed with the expertise and experience of the two clubs — Pakeke Lions and Lions Club of Katikati."

The beneficiary of proceeds from the festival this year is the Katikati Sport and Recreation Centre. Many centre members assisted at the festival on Saturday and helped sell raffle tickets.