Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival to celebrate its 19th year

The Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival is a great family day out at an affordable price.

The Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival will kick off on Saturday with a top line-up of acts set to take centre stage.

Promoter Jacqui Knight says the event, originally set up by the local Lions clubs, would celebrate its 19th anniversary this year.

"The original idea was to raise funds for different charities by having a festival and it has just grown from that. Now we have stall holders and local vineyards and breweries taking part which is fantastic," Jacqui says.

The entertainment is always a major drawcard with any event and this year would be no exception, she says.

Acts to perform included popular bands Kokomo and The BeatGirls, which are favourite Kiwi performers renowned for getting people's toes tapping.

"It will be a fantastic family day out."

Meanwhile there is a fun filled Kidzone, parenting tent, chef demonstrations and an array of fine wines and beverages available, she says.

Proceeds from the 2016 event went to Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter while the Katikati College technology suite would benefit this year.

Seeka has also confirmed celebrity chefs Peter Blakeway and Jimmy Boswell would be preparing a number of delicious dishes using avocados and the company planned to hand out avocado recipe books that it had printed.

Details:

What: Food and Wine Festival
When: Saturday January 14 from 11am to 6pm
Where: Uretara Domain
Price: Earlybird tickets online $16 each at www.ticket.co.nz. Gate sales $20 each and under 18 free if accompanied by a parent.

Guacamole competition:

- Win a $50 dinner voucher or pizza vouchers.
- Bring along a copy of your recipe, your magic ingredients and $5 for entry
- Avocados and equipment provided
- Starts at 1pm at the Talisman Hotel Marquee, final judging at 4pm.