Gallery Update
NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - The annual Pump-Palooza in Nieu-Betesda on Saturday attracted a huge crowds at its new venue, Tot Hier Toe Padstal, at the entrance to the village.
While the severe drought hampered pumpkin growth, there were still a few remarkable pumpkins welcoming guests at the gate.
Events kicked off early with a handful of enthusiasts partaking in the fun run through the autumnal village.
Various crafters and foodies set up their stalls in the farmyard behind the Padstal. Among these the Bethesda Arts Centre sold tasty treats, one could spot Ronel Vywers and the famous Auntie Evelyn selling their wares, resident Jacquie Olivier created artworks for the crowds and sold delightfully decorated cupcakes, the Butterworth clan sold their hand-sewn products as well as delicious food, there were trinkets and pop-guns, candy floss and roosterkoek, gemmerbier and shelves and shelves of Chrissie's wonderful bottled goods.
Sheepdogs milled between the legs of visitors, herding little pigs while doves nestled their Easter chicks up high on protected pillars. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was entertained by the band VanCoet who wowed the audience with their broad repertoire.
The pumpkins included beautiful butternuts, humble Hubbards and a handful of the malleable Atlantic Giants which really lived up to their names! The prize for the largest pumpkin, weighing in at 177kg, went to the Schoeman brothers who also took second place as well as the prize for the five biggest pumpkins overall. The pumpkins will be donated to various old age establishments in the district.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The Pump-Palooza benefited the entire village and eateries in the village rose to the occasion. Die Winkel sold pumpkins, the Village Inn made the best fritters, The Tower Restaurant provided hearty pumpkin stew, The Brewery brewed pumpkin beer, there was Pumpkin Thai curry at 'Die Waenhuis', the Nieu-Karoo Country Restaurant carefully created pumpkin tortellini and pizza, there was the most divine Pumpkin White Chocolate Cheesecake at Manna and the Ibis Lounge served pumpkin pie with salted caramel drizzle.
Auntie Evenlyn's Kitchen and The Kitchen Window also served pumpkin treats.
With the festival taking place a little way out of the village, Jakob van Staden did good business with his donkey cart and transported visitors to and from the event all day. Guesthouses were full and proprietors happy after a quiet holiday season.
Jakob van Staden did well carting visitors up and down all day.
A quilt exhibition took place at Nieu-Karoo Country Restaurant where quilters from around the country created miniature quilts along the theme 'Pumpkin on the Roof'. Nieu-Bethesda bustled over the weekend and guesthouses were full. Hikers took on the challenge of the Compassberg and cyclists could be seen heading for the hills on the many routes surrounding Nieu-Bethesda. On Sunday, author and poet Kobus Moolman recited extracts from his new book on the stoep at Outsiders.
The Easter weekend gave those in the tourism industry hope as the Pump-Palooza enticed people to the village in a wonderful spirit of unity and camaraderie.
Read a previous article: Pump-Palooza Festival in Nieu-Bethesda
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
