Annual Almond Blossom Festival blooms this weekend
THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Willunga on Saturday for the annual Almond Blossom Festival.
ALMOND trees in Willunga are starting to bloom, heralding a favourite celebration.
About 8000 people are expected to attend the 49th Almond Blossom Festival at Willunga Recreation Park this weekend.
A highlight of the festival will be a dedicated almond hub marquee, where visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations by chefs, pick up almond-based recipes and browse through a selection of nutty memorabilia.
Fireworks will be another drawcard on the Saturday night, while on the Sunday, gliders will stage an air show.
Organiser Heather Williams hopes good weather will encourage a good turnout.
“We can see local producers all in one place,” she says.
“Hopefully there is plenty of sunshine and it’s not too windy.”
Children can follow a trail to the stalls and complete a colouring competition to win a heart-shaped tin of almonds.
For the adult festival-goers, there is an almond-based cookery competition, along with a bar dispensing mulled wine and almond-inspired cocktails.
Proceeds from the festival will help with the maintenance and redevelopment of Willunga Recreation Park, the home of more than 20 local clubs and organisations.
Bridgett Wagner, of Kangarilla, will bring her children Mitchell, 9, Hilary, 6, and Claire, 3, to the festival for the first time.
“My husband and I have been before we had kids,” she says.
“The children are very much looking forward to the sideshows and fireworks on Saturday night.
“I’ll be volunteering at the Country Women’s Association stall for the evening brunch selling cakes.” Entry costs $8 a day for adults, $5 for concession holders and students. A family ticket costs $20 for two adults and up to four children.
Gates open Saturday noon-9pm and Sunday 10.30am-5pm.