Kangaroo Island Cup giving islanders a reason to smile
Their hearts have been broken by catastrophic fires but the spirit of Kangaroo Islanders will be on full display at a KI Cup Carnival set to be the biggest ever seen.
Delicious 100
Don't miss out on the headlines from Delicious 100. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Kangaroo Island Cup organisers expect a record crowd
- Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription
The Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival looks like being the biggest the island has seen – and the locals are taking the chance to enjoy a moment of fun after the devastation of the bushfires.
Tam Bailey, co-owner of key event sponsor Dudley Wines, is throwing two KI Cup parties, this Friday and Sunday.
“The Cup gives us exposure and shows people that you can still spend a weekend here,” Ms Bailey said. “It’s not all burnt, it’s not all doom and gloom.
They’re talking 4000 people coming for the Cup – that’s 4000 people who will be spending money on island.”
On the Friday, blues band the Road Kings will play at Dudley Wines’ cellar door in Penneshaw from 1pm, and on Sunday local band En Garde plays from 1pm. Dudley Wines’ lunches have sold out both days, but punters are encouraged to bring picnic blanket, grab a bottle and enjoy the music.
Dudley Wines is pouring cocktails trackside on race day alongside a host of food trucks, including KI Tru Thai.
KI Tru Thai owner Tony Blight says the record numbers coming to support this year’s Cup has boosted islander spirits.
“The hearts of the islanders have been broken, but they’re a tough bunch and they will get over this,” Mr Blight said.
MORE NEWS:
Trapped in a firestorm: Inside the destruction of Southern Ocean Lodge
Caught on video: Brave fight from the heart of vicious inferno
How the KI fires tore across the island
“It means everything that the mainlanders are thinking of them and are coming here and supporting them.”
Mr Blight and Thai chef Sirintip “Ao” Panya will serve up authentic dishes trackside and will host an after-race party with live bands at his American River diner on Thursday.
Next to KI Tru Thai will be food truck We Love Vietnam, where Kim and John Childs will offer Vietnamese dumplings, spring rolls, barbecued beef and a king prawn stir fry.
“The Cup will provide a lighthearted moment after the stress of the fires,” Mr Childs said. “People will be impressed when they find a beautiful green track in the middle of summer.”
