Perfect warm winter weather greeted the thousands of festinos who flocked to the 21st annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees over the weekend of June 28 to June 30.
Attendance was six percent up year-on-year to over 42 000 people through the gates, with consistent growth from 2022.
The biggest attendance increase was 45 percent on the Sunday, following a capacity Saturday crowd.
Big attractions were the revitalised Walk on the Wildside marquee with displays by Addo Elephant National Park, Endangered Wildlife Trust, One Land Love it, SANCCOB, and Addo Tourism, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism; an interactive display of horsemanship and 21 hours of live music on the giant ECPTA stage.
Stallholders report that it was their best post-Covid festival, with some selling out of product on the Saturday.
Food stalls also had a very busy weekend, with the NGK pancake stand selling more than 10 000 pancakes over the weekend.
The annual Kirkwood Wildlife Festival Game Auction turned over around R7 million.
The festival inspired Eastern Cape premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane to call for the revitalisation of other events, such as the Biltong and the Mohair Festival in Jansenville.
Speaking at the official opening of the festival, Mabuyane said that festivals such as Kirkwood Wildsfees and National Arts Festival had proven how important such events were as important tourism attractions.
Established to draw tourists to the Sundays River Valley, the festival has sparked investment in a number of guest houses, adventure products, restaurants and boutique hotels in the area.
“The festival brings the whole community together. If it were not for the support of the many volunteers, we would not be able to maintain the high standard that we have set,” says Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.
Owned by a non-profit community organisation, the Wildsfees is conceptualised, managed and staged by a small four-member core team headed by a volunteer board consisting of local business and community leaders.
In the month around the festival, it creates around 300 job opportunities.
Surplus funds are invested back into the Sundays River community.
In recent years, the small town of Kirkwood underwent a significant transformation with its name change to Nqweba. This change not only reflects a shift in identity but also signifies a new chapter in the town’s history. Let’s delve into the details of this change and discover the sights to see in this evolving area.
The name Nqweba holds significance as it is derived from the Khoi-San language, symbolizing a connection to the indigenous roots of the area. This change reflects a broader trend of reclaiming indigenous names across South Africa.
Sights to See in Nqweba
Addo Elephant National Park: One of the must-visit attractions near Nqweba is the renowned Addo Elephant National Park. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the African savannah.
Citrus Farms: Nqweba is situated in the heart of the citrus farming region, making it an ideal destination for those interested in agricultural tours. Visitors can explore citrus farms, learn about the cultivation process, and even indulge in fresh produce from the orchards.
Kirkwood Wildsfees: Every year, Nqweba hosts the Kirkwood Wildsfees, a vibrant festival celebrating local culture, music, food, and wildlife. This event attracts visitors from far and wide, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions in the region.
As Nqweba continues to evolve and embrace its newfound identity, visitors have the opportunity to explore a blend of history, culture, and natural wonders in this charming corner of South Africa. Whether it’s immersing oneself in the wilderness of national parks or savoring the flavors of fresh citrus, Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) offers a unique experience for all who venture into its embrace.
Baby Spell
Is it? – Is that so? [iz-zit] A basic conversational word that can be inserted at various points in any conversation, meaning “oh, wow!” or “Is that so?” It can also be used when you don’t really feel like talking and don’t want to be rude but want to seem as if you’re listening. Example: “Last week we went on a game drive! Sho my bru! We saw loads of antelope!” “Is it, hey!”
sand whiskers
Switzerland: You have two cows. Neither belong to you.