2022 Chilli Festival Sawtell

 For the first time in 3 years the Chilli Festival has started up again. Normally of a crowd between 7 and 13 thousand. Always the first Saturday in July. Unfortunately for them, the rain started last night, the kind that is gentle but consistent. We decided to go down anyway I was hoping to see the chilli plant stall that usually comes every year, but not this year which was disappointing.

 It was 12 C so rugged up, and braved the weather. There were lots of cars parked at 9am, and lucky to find one close, but funnily no one around till we hit the restaurants on the sides. They were all packed eating breakfast and early morning coffee, and keeping out of the rain. Good day for the locals. The boutique dress shops were all open as well, never been in any of them always frightened by what their prices might be, and our Anglican Op Shop was crowded, never seen that before, and it isn't a big shop either.

Some of the restaurants, had little stands outside with samples of chilli meals. RSL had the ladies selling jams, chutneys and pickles out front. A new loans bank was giving away goods with logo on, John grabbed a hat, and bottle opener. We did buy some things to help a few out, John's favorite Lemon Myrtle soap. The stall owner comes from Taylors Arm and is a regular.

 Ginger Beer from Gumpy's stand a regular also.

In the old days John's mum with the rest of her Italian family would get together to make salami, lots of it, so the Salami stand is a must for John and tastes All of them. Lucky we were the first ones there more or less.

At one end is a big stand, for announcements and a band will be playing most of the day and according to the schedule a large ukulele band is playing around noon plus a junior one as well. There is a famous chef demonstrating, Matt Golinski.

The pub is putting on a Chilli Chicken wings eating competition, different levels that get hotter and hotter. 

The Stage area

 We got home by 11.00am for a hot drink and to light the fire. I hope that it got busier for them, so much work goes into getting these events up and going, 6 months ahead of time.

Chilli Ginger Beer, Hot hot Salamis. Lemon Myrtle Soap, and Sour Licorice that John cut up read for  eating. Apple, Blueberry, Cola and Rainbow. Apple was best.

 

Yesterday our eldest daughter left from Sydney to stay at the local timeshare resort and I will be joining her today. It is a lovely sunny day today, but raining on and off all week, so off to get some craft to do to take with me, while I wait to be picked up.

Till Next Time.