IT’S all “go” for this weekend’s Narooma Oyster Festival with Saturday’s Natural Gourmet Fair in Quota Park and Sunday’s Narooma on Show.
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Gourmet Fair co-ordinator Garry Ebbeling said they had a great program and the response had been fabulous.
“Again it’s shaping up to be a terrific festival,” he said.
Mr Ebbeling said recent heavy rain from the Shoalhaven to the Victorian border had affected plans to have oysters at the festival from all eight of Australia’s Oyster Coast oyster estuaries.
“However, we have contingency plans in place to ensure plenty of oysters are available at the festival should they be required,” he said.
“We were hoping to showcase oysters from all South Coast estuaries but some estuaries may not be able to reopen in time for the festival.
“We will know definitely once we get the results from the water testing which was done over the last two days.”
Everything is on track for a great celebration of the South Coast’s quality produce and culinary and artistic talents, with something for everyone from fine foodies to families.
Festival spokeswoman Cath Peachey said there was a lot of interest this year from Sydney and Canberra, especially the Chinese community.
Chefs from three of the coast’s “Hatted” restaurants are looking forward to demonstrating some of their favourite dishes on Saturday.
Moruya TAFE’s cooking demonstration co-ordinator Debbie Pakis said it was wonderful to feature our region’s finest chefs.
“They are passionate about sourcing fresh local produce directly from producers, and bring a real South Coast flavour to their restaurants,” she said.
Most oyster farmers from Australia’s Oyster Coast will be at the festival on Saturday for the launch of Australia’s Oyster Coast Oyster Trail, which will be a great boost for food tourism on the South Coast.
Entries in the oyster shucking competition are still coming in and industry experts will demonstrate the skill.
The festival also offers other food and many food stalls will focus on the gourmet end of the market.
On Saturday, the Club Narooma live music stage features some talented local musicians followed by Sydney soul band Johnny G and the E-Types.
The festival is designed to also appeal to families, with free entry for children under 16, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Entertainment inside the Gourmet Fair precinct, including the Lighthouse Surgery’s kids’ zone, is free.
Other attractions include a giant kite exhibition and workshop.
The fun continues on Sunday, with the Poet Society brunch in Quota Park, a continuation of the stunning Heide Smith photographic exhibition, and the Ambrose Golf Classic.
The program is on the website www.naroomaoysterfestival.com.