“Vendor sites at the Kāpiti Food Fair to be held on Saturday 5 December, 10am to 3pm at Mazengarb Reserve are currently sitting at 117”, says Fair spokesperson, Helene Judge.
Helene goes on to say that “last year we had 124 sites so we are picking to reach that and maybe a few more so it’s all very exciting. We have a mix of repeat and new vendors coming this year so we are sure visitors will not be disappointed with the variety of ready to eat foods and products available to buy.
There is much work going on behind the scenes to make sure the Fair will be an exciting day for everyone. “With the support of our new Principal Supporter, Kāpiti Rotary, we have been able to broaden our marketing campaign to increase promotion in to Wellington and even more broadly through our social media presence,” says Helene. “We have just received permission to install a large 1m by 10m banner on the North West side of Jervois Quay Overbridge in Wellington so this is super exciting as it does not come cheap to manufacture the sign and to get it up and down. The other aspect which we are really pleased about is this site is only used by Wellington city events, however a decision has been made to let us promote the Fair which is excellent indeed as we know we are offering an attractive day out to Wellington people”, says Helene. If anyone out there has not liked our Facebook page yet they are encouraged to do so as this is a key place to stay up to date with the happenings of the Fair as we lead up to the big day www.facebook.com/pages/Kāpiti-Food-Fair
The other big change this year supports our desire to be a truly sustainable event that Kāpiti can be proud. We have restructured gate entry so it’s free for those up to 18 and $5 for an adult. Helene says “this has been done so net proceeds from the Fair can go back in to three Kāpiti community organisations via the Kāpiti Rotary Charitable Trust. Those who will benefit this year are Kāpiti Food Bank, Youth Quest and Kāpiti Youth Support, who are all worthy groups doing great things in Kāpiti.”
Behind the scenes there is much preparation for the Masterclass with celebrity chef Annabelle White on Friday night, 4 December. Jeanine van Kradenburg “is confident that Annabelle will not disappoint as she is a popular cooking personality on TV and radio and who is well known for good food and fun times in the kitchen.” Tickets for the Masterclass can be purchased by going to the Fair’s web site www.kapitifoodfair.net/ or by phoning Jeanine, 04 905 5520.
Annabelle will do a free public demonstration around lunch time on the day of the Fair. Last year the seats filled quickly and it was standing room thereafter to watch Karena & Kasey Bird do their cooking demo. “We are sure that Annabelle will resonate well with Fair visitors this year”, says Jeanine.
The entertainment programme is all set to go so visitors will be enthusiastically entertained by talented locals including a variety of musical acts and buskers.
Vendor site bookings close 1 November so those wishing to participate should go to the Fair web site to book without delay www.kapitifoodfair.net/Vendor-Bookings.html or phone Helene, 027 244 9585.
