EVENTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
FEBRUARY 2012
• GARDEN ROUTE 300 - Knysna The Inaugural Cannondale Garden Route 300 invites you to ride Knysna and surrounds on the 25th, 26th and 27th February 2011. The Garden Route 300 is the ultimate ride in Knysna! Arrange your own accommodation or if you're a local, ride from home, but join the excitement! Do your warm-up ride from your B&B to the start, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a rusk, before the days' adventure begins. Race entry fees include all meals except breakfast - all lunches and dinners - each with a Knysna twist... This will be no ordinary race! WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 25th - 27th February 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: Louise Hemmes on +27 (0)83 676-5681 or +27 (0)44 382-3238 MARCH 2012
• KINGFISHER MTB ENDURO RACE - Wilderness Every year the quiet little village of Hoekwil, just above Wilderness, gets flooded with enthusiastic Mountain Bikers, looking for an adventure… And that is exactly what the Kingfisher Enduro Race is… an adventure! On the weekend of the 26 March 2011, cyclists from all over the country will take part in this prestigious mountain bike race which is organized by the Hoekwil Primary School. The Route: There will be a short 3km race for the younger riders (ages 6 – 12). For the not so fit rider who wishes to do a fun ride, there will be a 20km race through the surrounding farms. But for the serious riders, the 40km and the 70km offers more than enough ‘adventure’ - with the 70km only recommended for the fit! The 70km race starts at 08h00. WHERE: Hoekwil Primary School WHEN: 26 March 2012 CONTACT: Johan Potgieter on +27 (0)83 460-5414 or Maxie Cockrell on +27 (0)82 719-4844
Table Mountain marks the beginning of this pioneering, tough and beautiful mountain bike race. The race then heads into the Overberg region in search of the most exciting, beautiful and challenging routes. Always innovating, the 2011 Absa Cape Epic visits stage locations in which riders will be staying for 2 consecutive nights, allowing them more time to experience single-track and technical routes that make this race legendary. It starts in the beautiful Garden Route town of Knysna and finishes nine days later in style at the grand Lourensford Wine Estate, just outside Cape Town. The route changes every year, and leads aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through approximately 900 kilometres of the unspoilt nature of the Western Cape and up approximately 16 000m of climbing over some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa. The Grand Finale takes place on the final day of the Absa Cape Epic, attracting 15 000 people to Lourensford Wine Estate. Entertainment at the Grand Finale includes the Cape Times Vigne- à-Vigne mountain bike race, the Cape Times Lourensford Vineyard Run and the Spur Kids Play Canyon. Visitors will also be entertained by top South African bands, including Zebra & Giraffe and Plush. WHERE: Start - Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 27 March - 3 April (to be confirmed) Website: www.cape-epic.com/index.php APRIL 2012
• KNYSNA LITERARY FESTIVAL - Knysna Not only does the festival celebrate the written word but it also stimulates education, as well as being committed to minimise its eco-negative impact. The event is ethically sound and embraces socially responsible principles. Festival Highlights Include: • Crime Fiction Murder Party WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 14 - 17 April 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: +27 (0)82 571-2462 for more info
This very popular and highly colourful celebration is certainly a highlight on the international Gay Calendar. The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras offers four days of non-stop entertainment for both Gay and straight people alike! Superb entertainment, major partying and loads of light-hearted fun and laughter will be had by all! The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras is getting bigger, better and more outrageous by the year. A unique experience not to be missed! Knysna, Africa's gayest town, is an exceptionally popular international tourist destination and has also earned the coveted title of officially being "South Africa's Favourite Town of the year" (twice in a row). WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 24 April - 1 May 2012 (dates to be confirmed) MAY 2012
• KNYSNA SPEED FESTIVAL - Knysna This year's Knysna Speed Festival is sure to entertain all speed lovers from all across South Africa for a week of pure adrenalin and fun filled action for the whole family! The Knysna Speed Festival story began in 2009 with the running of the first Knysna Hillclimb. From humble beginnings the event exploded in 2010 and, although it is a relatively new fixture on the South African motorsport calendar, it has immediately positioned itself as one of the premier events on the South African motorsport scene. While the Hillclimb will always remain the core event, the Knysna Speed Festival will be far more than just a single motorsport race. The festival will incorporate a variety of events that will not only benefit charities and provide significant economic benefit for the town of Knysna, but will offer exciting activities for participants and spectators. In addition to the Renault Knysna Hillclimb, events to be included in the festival are the Knysna Motor Show, the Knysna Kart Grand Prix, Knysna Slot Car challenge, Knysna Soap Box Derby, and the Knysna Speed Festival Charity Golf Day. WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 12 - 20 May 2012 JUNE 2012
• RE:CM 200 KNYSNA - Knysna 3 stages of MTB heaven! More ecstasy-inducing and thrillingly spectacular... NEW & DIFFERENT ROUTES! Approximately 65k's a day. This is cool mountain biking! 2 water points per day So ... want to enjoy all the benefits offered by stage racing, but don't want to die en route doing so? Then ... This is a 3 day stage race for you! Race entry fee R4600,00 per team. WHERE: Start - Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 15 - 17 June 2012 CONTACT: Patric Mosterd 081 5499619 OR Louise Wilson 083 765681 JULY 2012
• KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL - Knysna The Knysna Oyster Festival is probably one of the most popular annual events in the Western Cape. Marketed as the 'Best 10 Days of Your Winter', the Knysna Oyster festival is spread across two weekends that promise constant fun and activities for the whole family. The sport aspect of the Oyster Festival has evolved into two major sporting events - the Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon (half marathon), and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour, now a two-day event that is the biggest of its kind in the country. Other events to look forward to include the Wade Bales Wine Festival, the Pick n Pay Oyster and Wine Mardi Gras, the Knysna Lyster Company Shucking Competition and sports events such as the Scottish Leader Whisky Bowls Tournament and the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays Waitron Race. But of course the stars of the show are undoubtedly the oysters, served naked, cooked or garnished at over 30 local Tabasco Hotspots throughout the festival. WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 6 - 15 July 2012
This is South Africa's biggest bodyboarding contest and Plett's longest running event! As the 3rd and final events before the S.A Champs on the SA Body Boarding Association circuit with points counting towards the crowning of the SABA champions this is an event not to be missed. The event expects to attract more than 150 entrants many of whom are South Africa's best bodyboarders. The contestants come from all around the country and are ready to battle each other for the coveted "King of the Wedge" title! In addition to the bodyboarding, the South African Jet Ski Association will be having the 6th leg of their National Series in the Bay on Saturday the 16th. The race will include some of South Africa's best Jet Ski Racers, including 3 former world champions, 12 Riders who have represented South Africa internationally, and many other local riders. There are 6 different divisions with 3 races in each, so there will be 18 exciting and thrilling heats of top quality Jet Ski racing! WHERE: The Wedge, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route WHEN: 10 - 16 July 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: +27(0)82 321 8177
The Knysna Forest Marathon is held annually during the Knysna Oyster Festival and is always a great success. Participants can take part in either the 42.2km full marathon or the 21.1km half-marathon. This is a favourite on the running calendar. Entries are limited to 1000 runners for the full marathon and 5500 for the half, so book early to avoid disappointment! Race Starting Times: Full Marathon: 07h00, Half Marathon 08h00 WHERE: Knysna, Garden Route WHEN: 14 July 2012 CONTACT: Moses on +27 (0)44 382 6880 AUGUST 2012
• GOURMETS & GOURMANDS CULINARY FESTIVAL - George This year's Gourmets & Gourmands Festival is extra special as we are celebrating 200 years of George and introducing another twist in the food and wine pairing decadence with an extravagant theme… "Life is a masquerade" is the first themed Gourmets & Gourmands evening. Restaurants and wine farms are already putting the final touches to their menu pairings. The popularity of food and wine pairings has increased in recent years, so much so that it has become commonplace to add wine pairing as something special to the usual dining experience. So, whilst the decadence of the evening's events is festive, there is more to it as the funds raised will go towards the learners of and fantastic work done at the Carpe Diem School. WHERE: Carpe Diem School, George, Garden Route WHEN: 27 August 2012 CONTACT: Karools Haputfleish on +27 (0)44 874 4074
SEPTEMBER 2012
• GARDEN ROUTE ON A PLATE - George A lifestyle festival that is supported by the international gourmand society, the Chaîne de Rôttisseurs and the South African Chefs Association, is surely an event to make your mouth water and your tastebuds tingle! Well known chef, Francois Ferreira, commented that “the festival will offer exactly what the name says: a showcase of all the gourmet delights the Southern Cape has to offer under one roof. Local chefs will use products from the area to tempt the palates of food lovers and to showcase their craft.” Once all the taste sensations at the festival tents have inspired you to develop your culinary skills, you can attend a series of workshops in the main hall of the school of culinary art. These workshops will be presented by local chefs like Karen du Plessis from Unilever, Chef Dario Soresi from La Locanda, and François himself. Workshops on Brandy and Port, and sessions on the secrets of wine cultivars like Chardonnay will be presented by winemakers like Meyer Joubert of Joubert Tradouw in Barrydale, Ladismith Wines & Oudtshoorn Winary. WHERE: PW Botha College, George, Garden Route WHEN: 16 - 17 September 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: Francois Ferreira at Eden School of Culinary Art on +27 (0)44 884 0765 for more information.
If you're a fan of the King then this festival is something you will definitely enjoy! A number of Elvis Tribute Artists will be providing entertainment. The South African Elvis Fan Club will host fun activities, interesting topics and trivia games like a Teddy Bear Hunt for young and the not so young and will organise a memorabilia shop. You can spend your day watching the Big Screen Elvis history, movies which will be screened all day. Other fun treats include a Miss Marilyn Pageant, the Garden Route's Got Talent - The Elvis Way Competition, stalls filled with local products and so much more! Enjoy three days of non-stop musical entertainment, stalls, good food, classic cars, various outdoor adventures and family fun. Visit the Marilyn’s 60’s Diner where you can enjoy a blast from the past in an eatery in retro-surroundings 7 days a week. With its Cadillac’s and Chevy’s, neon rimmed signage, 50 and 60’s décor and Elvis and Marilyn memorabilia, you are sure to get the nostalgic feeling! WHERE: Protea Hotel Tsitsikamma Village and Marilyn's 60's Diner, Storms River, Garden Route WHEN: 21 - 23 September 2012 CONTACT: Ann du Rand on +27 (0)82 920 6626
The Strawberry Festival is one of the most popular family events of the year attracting both locals and visitors who come along to experience a day out in the fresh air in a safe, farm environment in the Garden Route. There will be a variety of stalls exhibiting good food, local wines and cheeses, fresh veggies, herbs and arts and crafts. Plenty of entertainment to keep both young and old busy from the Castle Corner beer tent where “Daveymac” (an experienced one man band) will be performing live, to the exciting new miniature steam train, the “strawberry express” and ‘bubble balls’ on the dam. Pony rides, strawberry picking, strawberry eating competitions, zorbing, paint ball target shooting, jumping castles, tractor rides and “Ronald Mcdonald” making a special appearance will add to 2 full days of family fun ! Proceeds go towards the ongoing marketing of the Outeniqua Country Hop route to encourage more people to visit this wonderful part of the world which incorporates parts of George, Herold, Mossel Bay and Wilderness. Employment opportunities for the local community are then created and a portion is also donated to local charities. WHERE: Redberry Farm in Geelhoutboom, George, Garden Route WHEN: 23 - 24 September 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: Nadine Bolttler on +27 (0)82 926 5928 OCTOBER 2012
• EDEN CHALLENGE - George The Eden Challenge is the ultimate 30 hour event for the top teams. The teams can expect classic adventure racing terrain. Real Southern Cape splendor! Expect an ’Amazing Race” experience with great mountain biking, awesome scenic hikes and brilliant paddling. Navigational skills will dictate your time spent out there. All maps & seconds instructions will be compiled by GIS specialist. If you’re a multi sport guru, this one is for you! Event layout: Teams and their support crew will be separated at the start. The event starts off with a hiking section and race packs must be prepared for the first night hike. Expect a hike of 70k’s, bike 150k’s and paddle 40k’s. WHERE: George, Garden Route WHEN: 29 - 30 October 2012 (to be confirmed) CONTACT: Jan Heenop on Cell: +27(0)82 455 2875 |