11 March 2021
With preparations already in motion for one of the region’s most anticipated events on the 2022 calendar, Councillor Andrew Gale was yesterday appointed the Southern Downs Regional Council representative on the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Committee at the Ordinary Meeting in Stanthorpe.
Renowned as one of Queensland’s premier events, the iconic festival is a true testament to the spirit of the Granite Belt and Councillor Gale said he was looking forward to contributing to the festival that he had supported for many years in various roles.
“The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival has been bringing people to our region since 1966 and celebrates all things Granite Belt with ten days of local food and flavours, sensational produce, award winning wines, unique craft beers, artistic wares, toe tapping music and larger-than-life street entertainment,” he said.
“The festival attracted more than 80,000 visitors in 2020 and has become a ‘must-attend’ event on the Queensland Tourism event calendar after growing from quite humble beginnings.
“The Granite Belt produces all of Queensland’s apples and over 60% of Queensland’s wine. The festival is celebration of the harvest period and a chance for visitors to experience the authenticity of country life and join in the spirit of a very vibrant local community.
“I have been attending the festival for many years, firstly as a working police officer more than twenty years ago and more recently as a spectator. I am now humbled at the prospect of contributing to the event in my role as a Southern Downs Councillor.
“The level of excellence delivered by the hard working Committee and crew of dedicated volunteers continue is nothing short of outstanding, and I am looking forward to playing my part in supporting them to make festival magic.”
Lock the dates in your diaries. The 2022 Apple and Harvest Festival is scheduled for 25 February – 6 March.