Mackay Wine and Food Day 2022: Every vendor at Queens Park
A tonne of behind-the-scenes work has gone into planning to ensure the booze flows freely and there’s plenty of grub to go around. Here’s every vendor at the biggest event on Mackay’s social calendar.
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Mackay is known for its impressive events calendar.
Even when most of the country was in various states of Covid lockdown, the sugar city held well-patronaged events bathing in the North Queensland sun.
Only one thing let them down – food and booze.
Thumbs up for quality, big thumbs down for quantity and wait times.
From sporting events to Mackay Festival of Arts to carols, the lines for food and drink were long and supplies would run out hours before an event concluded.
PHOTOS: Good vibes, good company and a heck of a lot of fun at 2021 Wine and Food Day
Wine and Food Day is one of the biggest days on Mackay’s social calendar.
The 2021 event was a huge success but it too ran dry, with very few options left from about 3.30pm onward.
But, thanks to some hard work behind the scenes post lockdowns, the booze should run freely and the food plentiful at this weekend’s Wine and Food Day with headline act The Choirboys.
Acting MECC and events manager Jemma Carey said her team was as prepared as it could be for the hallmark Queens Park day with perfect weather anticipated.
“Last year it was our first event back after the impacts of Covid and we did prepare for 25 per cent extra in terms of waste and food for a bigger crowd but we still got inundated,” she said.
“People were ready to come out and celebrate and that certainly provided some challenges for us on the day.
“We’ve done some mega planning on how to meet demand and increased numbers this year.”
Ms Carey said about 30,000 people turned up for the Wine and Food Day in 2021 which was at least 5000 more than previous years when the event attracted 20,000-25,000 “when the sun is perfect”.
She said the unanticipated extra load put pressure on an already struggling industry sector.
“People were ready to celebrate and party after Covid and they did consume their fair share of food and beverage but we’ve made a lot of inroads this year to accommodate that many people,” she said.
“Our food vendors last year were just coming out of Covid when so many food businesses had to shut down.
“Many had not been relicensed because they had such a tough period.
“So we really had to work together to get the amount we had there last year.
“But that industry is now recovering and the number is increasing – mobile food trucks as well as other people with restaurants and cafes who can operate off-site too.
“It’s a risk, though, for them, putting up an outdoor store when they have their own store so it’s always a working relationship to get them to come because it’s not much of a Wine and Food Day without food.
“Everyone’s had such an awful time (during Covid) and we want to encourage them back to events so we’re doing everything we can to help the industry.
“The council health and regulation team is helping them get their businesses up and running in this space and we have discounted food vendor fees by 50 per cent to ensure we have enough on site.
“We’re very prepared for this year’s event – we just hope everyone gets out and enjoys and has a good time.”
There were 17 food vendors booked for 2021 but three cancelled on the day.
This year, the MECC’s events team has confirmed 32 for Saturday, though that could fluctuate “if someone picks up Covid” in Mackay’s latest spike.
Queensland Festival and Events has partnered with two not-for-profit organisations — Rotary and Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club — for alcohol service in 2022.
“We’ll have an additional bar and more service points as well as a wine activation,” she said.
“All the bars will have our entire line of products but we will have a secondary bar with certain types of wine.
“Plus Oasis – our pre-booked VIP area – has already sold out, 200 people in the ticketed tent with their own private bar and toilets.”
As well as the 32 food vendors and three bars, there will also be market stalls, children’s amusements and a packed stage line-up.
Ms Carey said she was confident about handling the numbers for 2022.
“We’ve really upped the ante this year from the ugly bits and pieces, like waste bins and toilets, all the way through food and the bars,” she said.
“It looks like it will be a beautiful day.”
Ms Carey said there were still some spots left for the Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclasses and the Paint and Sip sessions.
“The Masterclasses are a really nice way to make your Wisely Wine and Food experience a little more gourmet,” she said.
“There’s New Zealand and Barossa wines paired with Tasmanian Brie, Italian Parmagiano Reggiano and French Mimolette – plus assorted gourmet accompaniments.
“The Paint and Sip sessions by Bottletops and Brushes are also a really fun idea, especially if you like the idea of relaxing with live music in the shade of a gazebo, with a glass of wine in one hand and a paint brush in the other.”
Festivals and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said she believed the number of vendors would keep wait times down as it would give people plenty of options.
“Festival goers are also welcome to bring a picnic – we understand that when you have children it can be a lot easier to have food on hand,” she said.
“Just please no BYO alcohol – the festival is fenced and fully licensed.”
Ms Porter said ATMs would be available at the event and most vendors would also offer EFTPOS, including the bars.
For more information, including a full list of frequently asked questions, head to themecc.com.au/festivals
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