THE region’s longest-running festival is set to take place this October despite recent COVID-19 restrictions, with Ruston’s Restaurant and Functions being the sole destination for its events.
According to incoming Renmark Rose Festival president Sheree Chappel, a “condensed version” of the festival will go ahead and “hopefully” feature most of its well-loved events.
“South Australia is the rose capital of the country and the festival is the longest-running event in the region,” Mrs Chappel said.
“Even though things are crazy now, we don’t know what life will be like in October.
“The Prime Minister is set to make some announcements at the end of this week and he might drop some restrictions, so the festival will go ahead and the lifted restrictions might make it possible to host events like our fair, lunch in the garden and gala dinner.”
Mrs Chappel said it was unlikely the festival would run for 10 days.
“The festival has always run for 10 days but this year that won’t be the case,” she said.
“Unlike other years, this year will be shorter and more of a low-budget event.
“Local businesses have been through such a hard time amid the COVID-19 pandemic and we wouldn’t want to put a burden on them to help us out. A timeframe hasn’t been settled yet because so far it’s been dictated by restrictions.
“As restrictions start to ease, we will be able to know what events can and cannot take place, so it’ll be easier to settle on a timeframe then.”
Mrs Chappel said the committee was unsure if the ambassador program would go ahead.
“With the ambassador program, the ambassadors rely on local businesses to help them,” she said.
“Being a restaurant and function centre owner, I know what local businesses have gone through amid the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s been tough.
“Each year, the ambassadors host events and raise money for a chosen charity.
“Regardless of whether or not the ambassador program takes place, we will still choose a charity to raise money for and on the night of our gala dinner, a percentage of the ticket price will go towards them.”
Committee member Richard Fewster said open gardens will go ahead this year if participants feel safe to do so.
“If anything, people’s gardens are looking better than ever at the moment because everyone has been in isolation and had lots of time to focus on them,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of rain – which has been fantastic – and it’s been great for everyone’s gardens and crops.
“With open gardens, people remain outside – entering homes is off-limits – so as long as people practice social distancing and crowds are minimal, we don’t see why it cannot go ahead.
“It wouldn’t be fair seeing all the flowers blooming in the streets of Renmark and not being able to see the flowers in people’s backyards. Residents around the region pride themselves on their gardens and they deserve to have the opportunity to share their hard-work with locals and visitors.”
Mr Fewster said the committee is fortunate the festival is well-established.
“Unlike other festivals, ours isn’t new and we have a model,” he said.
“We have a system and this year will be the 26th year it’s been run.
“Condensing it will be a challenge but we will think of innovative ways to host events.
“In the early years, everything was held at Ruston’s anyway, so it will be great to go back to old roots.”
Mr Fewster said he hoped the South Australian border would open in time for the festival.
“After food and wine, gardens are another prime reason for people to visit the region,” he said.
“The festival builds the tourist economy and people love it.
“We know that if we didn’t have the festival, we’d regret it and people would be disappointed, so having a condensed version gives everyone something to look forward to.”