The produce from Trentham’s rich, red volcanic soil was the star of the show on Saturday when thousands of potato lovers ventured out for the 11th annual Spudfest.
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About 6000 starch enthusiasts were on hand to sample some of the region’s best potatoes, while also picking up some tips in the kitchen at cooking exhibitions.
Green thumbs were able to take part in gardening demonstrations while a big focus was also placed on local music.
Festival convener Helen Macdonald said the key to the event’s ongoing success was diversifying its offering to cater for all types of audiences.
“Each year we add in a little something and the key is it’s now a whole of village festival,” Ms Macdonald said. “It’s a cliche but there’s really something for everyone, whether your four, 44 or 84.”
Organisers are now working to promote the festival as an opportunity for food and wine lovers to spend a weekend in the region.
In 2018 the ‘Spudly Sunday’ concept has been developed to provide tourists with a chance to experience some of the town’s other culinary offerings.
“The next step is to continue to promote the area because we want to expand on the idea of stay and play,” Ms Macdonald said. “Trentham is 20 minutes from three major regional hubs and dozens of wineries.”