On Saturday (16 September), harbour users of Gordon’s Bay Harbour are coming together once again for its eponymous annual festival.
The day begins with a procession that will start from the parking area across from Trawlers in centre of the town, accompanied by the naval band, descendants of the Khoikhoi represented by the members of the community, local majorette groups, netball players from local schools, members of the public and local businesses.
Members of the community who wish to take part in the procession are invited to join and meet in the parking area from 07:00, for departure at 07:45.
This year the Naval College has opened its gates to the public and will have a market within its precincts on its Open Day. Several educational entities will exhibit and display opportunities to interested youth.
There will be a wide array of food and craft stalls as well as offerings of home-made goods from the local area. There is still a space available for interested stallholders.
The navy and members of NSRI Station 9 are planning a special rescue display on the day.
At midday the ever-popular “Anything that floats event” in aid of NSRI Station 9 will kick off. Raft races will be held within the harbour, where members of the public, including schools, universities and businesses compete against one another with home-made rafts.
Entries for this event are still open and members of the public are encouraged to enter soon to secure their place. All funds raised will be donated to NSRI Station 9.
The Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club will host a beer garden with a live band and kiddies’ corner during the day and local fishermen will be preparing some freshly caught fish on the braais. There will also be a special VIP area with a jacuzzi, private bar and spectacular views of the harbour activities available on sale. Only 30 exclusive tickets for this will be up for grabs to the members of the public.
Boat rides into the bay will be on offer during the festival, with Playa Cruises as well as low-cost shorter harbour tours between the Navy college and the Yacht Club.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Gordon’s Bay Harbour Annual Festival can get in touch with the yacht club at [email protected] or on 021 856 3263, or the Naval College: [email protected].
