Thousands of Mudgee residents and tourists came upon Mudgee Showground on Saturday for the first ever Mudgee Festival of Snags.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In September, Mudgee was the winner of travel site Wotif's 'Festival of Wot' campaign, beating Queensland's Festival of Mangoes in Bowen, Festival of Redheads in Maryborough and South Australia's Festival of Wheat, Wool & Wine in Clare Valley.
The sausage-themed festival offered entertainment, attractions and mainly some of the best sausages the region has to offer from local producers and butchers.
Also making news:
Managing Director of Wotif, Daniel Finch said the festival was a testament for the support Mudgee has as a destination.
"From the second we opened the voting for this competition we've seen a surge in interest for this event. The community got right behind voting for Mudgee, so today is a testament to the community really supporting each other to make this happen," Mr Finch said.
"I'm really hoping that this event brings a sense of morale to Mudgee and also visitors from outside of the Central Western region into the community, so they can support accommodation, small business, food, beverage and wineries, and also just enjoy the country hospital. That's what we're aiming to do here at Wotif.
"The Festival of Snags was a great way to showcase a destination like Mudgee - wonderful produce, great farmland and wineries, and that country hospitality. We really wanted to bring more attention to a town like this and give reason and a purpose for Aussies to visit somewhere new and exciting.
"Today has been so exciting. It was great to see the line-up of people before the gates even opened and now everyone having a great time. Families, adults, it's great to see so many people relaxing and enjoying this wonderful community event."
When asked if the 'Snag Festival' would run again in Mudgee, Wotif didn't commit to a confirmation.
A poll on the Mudgee Guardian Facebook page with more than 200 votes showed that overall - of those who voted - the festival met their expectations with one comment praising the event but said that some stalls ran out of food early.
Another post to the event page from an attendee bemoaned the fact that people brought their dogs to the food-based event even though Wotif stated online that animals - excluding assistance pets - were not permitted.
When asked if the 'Snag Festival' would run again in Mudgee, Wotif didn't commit to a confirmation.
"The Mid-Western Regional Council has been involved at every step of the way, should they wish to run the event in future years. Our focus over the last six weeks has been to create and promote the Festival of Snags, however Wotif remains committed and is passionate about supporting regional Australian tourism," a statement from Managing Director Daniel Finch said.
Subscribing means more than just website access. Read the print paper online, enter giveaways and more for just $2 a week, less than one coffee. What are you waiting for?