For TasteFest on the Manning to continue, the addition of new faces and skills will be needed.
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That’s the view of Di Brooker, Taree Lions Club president and TasteFest volunteer coordinator.
Taree Lions Club believes that TasteFest on the Manning 2019 was the best event yet, with a larger, more functional licensed area, an expanded music program, and the addition of an evening dinner in the grand marquee.
Organisers say the evening program was particularly popular with visitors and well attended.
Volunteers felt the event had a friendly and relaxed feel with the crowd numbers steady across the whole day. Overall visitor numbers were less than last year possibly due to a number of parallel events conducted on the same day in the region on Saturday.
The big success this year was the inaugural Producers Dinner which raised more than $5000 for the nominated TasteFest charities. The event was sold out with many on the wait list.
Past president of Taree Lions, Allen Lenton said he hoped that the dinner would be "plugged in" to TasteFest again next year with more seating available.
Overall charity fundraising efforts were strong despite the reduced numbers. TasteFest treasurer Ian Coutts calculated that close to a further $13,000 was raised from gate donations and the rubber duck race.
Taree Lions aim is to deliver a fun and festive event that supports charity. Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative Care and Can Assist Manning Valley were both actively involved in the day as well as the lead up to the event.
Di Brooker said she was amazed at the efforts of so many helping to run an event this large again for the third year.
Taree Lions Club members were stretched to the limit this year, as well as the expanded committee. John Lenton, TasteFest coordinator, thanked Lions members, sponsors and businesses, local service and community groups, area police and MidCoast Council for all working together to deliver an exceptional community event.
The variety of vendors was not as great this year due to a number of unfortunate last minute cancellations due to illness.
John would like to see more locals vendors apply in time for the event next year and obtain more shade for the non-licensed area.
Having the Producers Dinner and a fruit salad stall was a great way to include local produce from growers who are not suited to an all day event. Saxby's Soft Drinks had the most popular tastings during the day plus their donation of water kept volunteers and vendors hydrated.
“It’s a resource hungry event and having things liked fencing supplied by Valley Industries helps keep our costs down and donations up,” John said.
