After a nerve-wracking weekend weather prediction, Hazelbrae put on festivities galore at the first Meander Valley Hazelnut Festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The family-friendly event promised hazelnut fairies, children's activities, tractor rides, nut-cracking competition and, in honour of world Nutella day, a 'Nutella' eating competition - a special collaborative chocolate spread featuring Hazelbrae hazelnuts and Federation Chocolate.
And it delivered - the event was a sell-out success, with Hazelbrae owner Christie McLeod saying they had to turn people away at the gate.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"It was amazing, but also really sad because we'd have loved to have more people but needed to run a COVID-safe event," Ms McLeod said.
"This is our first festival and I don't think it'll be the last, especially considering how many people we've had to turn away today.
"It'll be bigger and better next year and hopefully without restrictions."
Guests travelled from across the North to attend, with food on offer from Meander Valley businesses and a performance by the Pete Cornelius duo.
Jan Cashion travelled from Longford with family to attend the event, and said her party had a wonderful time.
"I follow Hazelbrae on Instagram, and I thought it was a great idea for us to bring all the grandkids, it's so beautiful," Ms Cashion said.
"They've been so excited by all the fairies, they're loving looking around at everything, they're playing lots of games and there's been so much for everyone to do.
"It's been a lovely day, we hope there's one next year."
Become a digital subscriber today. Online you can view today's paper and keep up-to-date with breaking news. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.