Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival’s official launch
The 2017 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival’s official opening took place at the Whe+ Restaurant in Knysna on the 6th July.
In attendance there were about 300 guests and VIPs, which included organisers, sponsors, members of the community, MP James Vos, MP shadow minister of tourism, executive mayor of Knysna councillor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies and the beautiful Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
MP James Vos, explains, “Knysna is heavily dependent on tourism, and residents would be dealt an additional blow if their tourism economy were to decline. Therefore, I’m thrilled by the response from the tourism industry together with the authorities that this town remains open for business.”
Vos also added, “Following on this, I’m happy to report that the Western Cape Government has pledged financial assistance of R75 million towards the rebuilding of this town, and furthermore, Wesgro has provided over R100 000 to sponsor and promote the Knysna Oyster Festival, and Knysna, as an ultimate place to visit.”
“Tourism is alive and well in Knysna,” – chairperson of Knysna, and partners, Elmay Bouwer.
Bower added, “We are really excited about this year’s Pick and Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. It’s been a challenging few weeks, but Knysna has managed to rise from the ashes and say to the local and international tourism community that we are strong, we are here, and we are open for business.”
Bouwer also thanked the festival’s headline sponsors, Pick and Pay and Momentum, for ‘not only making sure that the festival goes ahead but also for setting their marquees up early so that the disaster relief effort could use the facilities.’
“This time the knock that our economy is taking is not merely as a result of a downward global economic spiral, but as a result of a force of nature that was completely out of our hands – the devastating Knysna Fires,” says Bouw-Spies.
Bouw-Spies concluded, “Get on a bicycle. Put on your hiking boots. Start slurping on those delectable molluscs that the festival was named after. Grab a shuttle, and sample great South African wine at the Knysna Wine Festival. Giggle through the Chuckles comedy show. Watch or join in during the oyster shucking and eating competition.”
The rest of the evening was spent winding down with friends, eating oysters and enjoying the tranquil sounds of the bands. A great relief after an extremely tense and tiring time.
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from the 7th till the 16 July 2017.
Knysna Oyster Launch Gallery