It was a festival fit for the foodie masses, where even the pickiest eater would have found a satisfying dish when the Slice of Haven came alive on Sunday, May 27.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The sunny weather attracted thousands of people, with a steady stream entering the festival as soon as the gates opened at 10am.
Some chose to feast early, as the tempting tastes proved to be too difficult to resist.
By 1pm there were queues of people lining up to collect their favourite flavour choice at the festival.
Stall holders embraced the festival’s theme of Flavours of our Generations, with many choosing to dress in traditional styles.
The sandwich showdown proved to be an entertaining event for spectators as local identities battled it out for the winning title.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, Rach Hart from Hit FM, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce president Sue East and Rachel O’Neill from Holiday Coast Credit Union all put their culinary skills to the test.
Mrs Pinson’s creative combination of peanut butter, sweet chilli sauce, chicken and lettuce took out the judges’ choice for the first round. Dr Gillespie won the people’s choice with his gourmet ham, cheese and pesto sandwich.
In the second round Sue East won over the judges with her ‘Suesars Salad’ sandwich, while Rach Hart took out the People’s Choice for her pork roast roll.
Festival attendees sat with their craft beers and selection of food while they listened to bands and were entertained by local groups at the foreshore location.
Movement Studios dance groups, Ghost Road, Pam Hata, Black Magic, Roxferry and Emma Dykes all performed.
Stiltwalkers made for a spectacular walking display, the sandpit was a hit with the children as were the rides, face painting and temporary tattoos.
The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce initiated the Slice of Haven in 2008 as a way to help support businesses and the community.
“The brand has grown since and each year thousands of visitors come to taste a slice of the Camden Haven,” president Sue East said.
Sue said on behalf of the chamber she congratulated the Slice of Haven committee ‘who have worked extremely diligently on making the project a success’.
