“This is a little bit frustrating. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I tell them to cater for 500 patrons each. Some of them get nervous.
“I say, ‘You bring the food, I'll bring the people’. It was crazy busy but there was food right till the end.”
There was more than just food from countries around the globe. There was a bar, a children’s area and a bucking bronco, with a prize for the person who could stay on the longest.
“There were art and crafts, a tent featuring arm wrestling and even something for the dogs — K9 Cookie Time, which specialises in artisan treats for pooches.
Owner Mel Middleton, a former chef, said she had a great afternoon in the Sweet Street section of Fiesta.
“I started this business a year ago because I could not find healthy treats for my English bull terrier. People today have nearly wiped me out of stock.”
Artist Catherine Brown had works of her own and son Romilly Brown on display.
“I haven't sold any but it's good to get the exposure and people have enjoyed looking.”
Gizzy Lock and Drop club had a tent where you could learn more about the sport of arm wrestling.
“There has been heaps of interest,” said spokeswoman Darlene Hohipa.
Setting up for the Fiesta started at 6.30am although strong winds delayed the erection of gazebos and decorating the area.
“I was so grateful to Fulton Hogan, who delivered 200 sandbags. Then at 3.30, right on cue, the wind died down.”
The best thing about the festival was the family vibe, Ms Davey said.
“That was the idea. We can have a licensed event in Gisborne where people can drink and act responsibly.”
Fiesta will join the First Light Kai street food festival held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend as annual events.
“There was a question mark over Labour Weekend because the wine and food festival had owned the weekend for the past 21 years, but with that stepping back, the Fiesta proved to be a family event that people want.”
Ms Davy said another highlight was the feedback from people from Auckland and Wellington, who were in town for the Chardonnay Express event.
“They turned up to have food before flying home in the evening and loved it. This sort of thing leaves a great taste for visitors so they will hopefully come back.”
The entertainment went smoothly all afternoon, thanks to Wendy Wallace.
“It was massive. She really knows how to put that all together.”
Another big help came from volunteers from sports clubs, who helped set up.
“One person who has been an amazing help was Anne Marie Mua. She had two stalls — one with mocktails and the surf and turf food tent. She has been helping me for the past two weeks get it all together.”
Her biggest thank you, though, went out to the people of Gisborne — “the town I was born and raised in” — for coming out and supporting Fiesta.
“I understand the city, being raised in a local business, and the need for the CBD to be a place that people can enjoy.
“I love Gisborne and will continue to work hard to bring our community events we can be proud of. “
