And the Winners Are...

Huis Kweekvallei – Best food stall

Prince Albert Olives – Best stall of the festival

During the Olive Festival a competition was held to judge the best food stall and the best decorated/designed stall. Our panel of experts judging in the street were Hilary Biller – Food editor Sunday Times Travel & Food and Jo and Brian Dick – owners of Cheese Gourmet in Johannesburg. They commented that although there were fewer food stalls than last year the final decision was very difficult as the standard was higher. After much deliberation they decided that the prize should go to Huis Kweekvallei for their warm Sago pudding topped with home-made apricot jam. Hilary commented that this was such an original idea and it gave comfort food a whole new meaning and was a deserved winner. The standard of the food during this year’s festival was outstanding and many positive comments were received from visitors and locals alike regarding the quality and variety on offer.

Many stallholders went made a great effort to decorate their stalls, which made a positive contribution to the overall carnival atmosphere of the festival. A few in particular stood out and were extremely eye catching. The unanimous decision of the judges went to Prince Albert Olives for their outstanding stalls. The entire frontage of the Swartberg Hotel was converted into a virtual olive village. The design and use of photographs was beautiful and the effort that went into the finer detail of decorating the stall was outstanding.

Congratulations to Anobé and Fred Badenhorst and Essie Esterhuizen from Prince Albert Olives and to Huis Kweekvallei for their contribution to making our festival another great success.

Jeremy Freemantle, Chair, Festival Organising Committee