Gibbston Harvest Festival to Benefit Local Scouts

2010 Gibbston Harvest Festival Ticket Sales to Benefit Local Group

In keeping with the community spirit of the annual Gibbston Harvest Festival, organisers of the 2010 event, to be held on 20 March, will be donating the proceeds from all ticket sales to the Arrowtown Scouts.

The tradition of nominating a charity or community group to receive 100 per cent of all ticket sales was part of the event’s original community-based strategy, says Gibbston Valley Station managing director and one of the festival organisers, Greg Hunt.

“Right from the first Gibbston Harvest Festival in 2006, the event has been about promoting family fun, and celebrating the best of the region and our community. We know how challenging fundraising can be, so, each year, we invite local charities and community groups to become the charity for the festival.”

“This year, we are so excited to be able to help the Arrowtown Scouts in their current fundraising efforts to attend the 19th New Zealand Scout Jamboree at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.”

“We know that these national events can grow creativity, friendships and community spirit, so we see this as providing a tangible long-term benefit to the local children and young people involved.”

Arrowtown Scouts fundraising committee member and Mount Edward co-owner Duncan Forsyth says the group is very honoured to be selected as the charity for the 2010 festival. “The Gibbston Harvest Festival promotes the same principles that we try and achieve in our time with the Scouts – family, friendship and fun,” says Mr Forsyth.

“It is never easy to fundraise in a small community because there are so many worthy recipients and often not enough money to go around – especially nowadays. So, we are very grateful to be able to work with the festival organisers to provide a great day, while also helping our children with their future in the process.”

Building on the success of festivals held in previous years, the Gibbston Harvest Festival will showcase 14 local wineries and 10 leading restaurants and specialty food suppliers from Gibbston, Queenstown and Arrowtown.
“Last year, the event attracted over 2000 people – both locals and visitors to the region – and we anticipate an even bigger crowd this year,” says Mr Hunt.

“With a number of new wineries, leading restaurants and specialty food suppliers taking part, and a broader range of activities and attractions, this year’s festival promises to be a great, relaxed, fun day out for the whole family.”

“As well our award-winning wines and a wide range of leading restaurant and specialty foods – from traditional handcrafted cheese and handmade chocolates, to mouth-watering Indian dishes and fine dining cuisine – there will also be entertainment by local musician Mike Morgan, and Q92 More FM’s Janey Newlands and Margo Berryman, as well as barrel rolling competitions, bouncy castles and a games area for the kids.”

“We really want to encourage as many people as possible to come and enjoy the day.”

The Gibbston Harvest Festival runs from 11am – 4pm, Saturday, 20 March. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day. Ticket pricing is $15 for adults (including tasting glass) and a gold coin donation for children. Entry to the master classes is by gold coin donation. Car parking is free.

Transport to the festival is also available through Snag Bus Tours – for bookings and enquiries, please phone 03 442 1900.

ENDS

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