The 28th Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from July 1 to 10 in Knysna.
Attracting more than 65 000 sport enthusiasts, families, food- and wine-lovers and adrenalin junkies, the festival offers something for everyone from running, cycling, golfing, bowling and adventure racing to wine and whisky tastings, cooking competitions, food and wine pairings, gala evenings, live music, a children’s programme and, of course, oysters.
The hub of this year’s festival is at Loerie Park in George Rex Drive and is set to be the biggest yet, with over 100 sporting and lifestyle events over the 10 days of the festival.
A highlight is The Big 5 Challenge, which includes the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour Mountain Bike and Road Race events.
In the Mountain Bike event on July 2, cyclists battle it out for 85km through the pristine forests and surrounding farmlands of the greater Knysna area and the Road Race takes cyclists out towards Plettenberg Bay in a test of speed and endurance.
In the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run, presented by Petzl on July 5, participants traverse the western head of Featherbed Nature Reserve through ancient milkwood forests and along coastal fynbos tracks.
The third event in the Big 5 Challenge is the Duesouth XTerra presented by Rehidrat, which takes place on the grounds of Pezula Private Estate on July 7, followed by the Pick n Pay Cape Times Half Marathon on July 9, which attracts over 8 000 runners.
The last of the Big 5 Challenge events is the FHM Knysna Lagoon Challenge on July 10 in which paddlers paddle three laps on the Knysna Lagoon towards the Knysna Heads and back, with a loop through Thesen Island, the Waterfront and Knysna Quays.
All these events can be entered individually.
Throughout the festival children can take part in cycling races, dance, music and drama workshops. There are also craft and art classes, sand art workshops and fun cooking classes. Activities also include puppet-making workshops, puppet shows, drama workshops and dress-up and face-painting classes.
The Pick n Pay Oyster and Wine Mardi Gras takes place on July 6 and brings together top restaurants in the Knysna area to create the ultimate oyster recipe which guests can try.
Other culinary and wine events include The Wade Bales Wine festival held at Pezula Private Estate, Whisky and Jazz on the Paddle Cruiser and the Tabasco Oyster Eating competition.
With over 100 events to choose from there is something for everyone at this year’s festival.
l See www.oysterfestival.co.za or call 044 382 5510.
- Weekend Argus