Visitor numbers to the annual three-day SPAR Kirkwood
\nWildsfees were back to near pre-COVID-19 levels as visitors enjoyed perfect weather
\nand an entertainment-packed weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stallholders reported selling goods to visitors from as far
\nafield as Mossel Bay and East London. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Festival director Jenni Honsbein said, \u201cOver the past 20
\nyears the festival has grown beyond the Eastern Cape, and now attracts visitors
\nfrom around the country. Accommodation in the Sundays River Valley and
\nsurrounds is booked up months in advance.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visitor numbers were up significantly year on year on June
\n30, July 1, but slightly down on July 3, giving an overall attendance of around
\n40 000 through the gates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere was a substantial growth of 60 percent of the u\/7s,
\nwhich shows that it is a festival for the whole family,\u201d said Honsbein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sponsors have also returned, with several new national
\ncompanies coming on board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The annual Kirkwood Wildsfees auction was also successful
\nwith the majority of the 245 lots sold for a turnover of R9.43 million
\nincluding VAT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is nearly twice the turnover in 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auction convener Garth Saville said, \u201cIt was a great
\nauction, especially with SANParks back on board as sellers again.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SANParks put 360 animals on sale at the auction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sable bulls sold for R46 000, buffalo bulls for
\nR115 000, eland bulls for R33 000, and a kudu bull for R46 000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOverall, there was a very good turnout from both local
\nbuyers and buyers online. Bidding was active and it was a great day,\u201d said
\nSaville. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Visitor numbers to the annual three-day SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees were back to near pre-COVID-19 levels as visitors enjoyed perfect weather and an entertainment-packed 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