Fermenta, a word you'll hear a lot more of in the next year.
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Another feather in the cap of the region's event calendar, Fermenta was announced on Thursday as a new event coming in March 2021 following the announcement of state and federal government grant funding.
Described in a release from Mid-Western Regional Council, 'The phenomenon of fermentation will be celebrated in a new event, The inaugural Fermenta Festival will celebrate the art of fermentation by local producers from sauerkraut to kombucha, small batch beers and fine wines, to chocolate and cheese on March 13 and 14 next year.
As you might have guessed from the name, the event is a partnership between Council, Mudgee Region Tourism and Cementa Festival.
The joint organising committee successfully secured $30,000 through the Australian Government's Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Fund and an additional $10,000 through Create NSW 19/20 COVID-19 Quick Response Initiative for the event.
"The thing about fermentation is that it underpins our relationship to food, to land and to life - it happens in our bodies, in our food and in the soil that makes all life possible," Cementa Creative Director, Alex Wisser said.
"It is also an intimate part of what makes life worth living, of the good things in life, the food and drink that we share socially, that bring pleasure and joy. Fermentation, if you think about it, is the foundation of how we celebrate life, so why wouldn't we want to celebrate the process that brings us so much joy."
Mid-Western Region Council Mayor, Des Kennedy said the event will bring much a needed social and economic boost to the region.
"Fermenta will be the perfect kick-start for the Rylstone and Kandos communities as we work to attract that crucial tourism dollar back into our region," Cr Kennedy said.
"These communities, their businesses and residents have been hit by a trifecta of drought, bushfire and COVID-19, and this event will not only provide a social experience and something to look forward to but an economic boost with visitors planning a weekend stay around the event.
"I'd like to thank the Australian and NSW Government for their combined $40,000 in funding for this exciting new event."
Mudgee Region Tourism CEO Cara George said the event is a perfect fit for the Mudgee Region.
"We are truly excited to be part of the new Fermenta Festival that aims to attract locals and visitors from all over Australia to ignite their senses in beautiful Rylstone and Kandos," Ms George said.
"What keeps events successful across our region is our locals - the love we have for our community and the love we have for our local businesses. It's our generous and genuine approach to sharing what the region has to offer that allows visitors to feel the love and keeps them coming back."