Tourism Minister to open Scallop Festival

13 July 2005

Tourism Minister to open Scallop Festival

TOURISM MINISTER TO OPEN FESTIVAL - We're delighted to announce that Tourism Minister Mark Burton will be attending the Scallop Festival and will officially open proceedings on Saturday morning.

ALL FIRED UP! Harry and Tracey from The Fireplace in Whitianga are eagerly awaiting the festival. They've gone all out in choosing their three food and wine matches for their stand on Saturday. Here they are:

-Seared Scallops Seared scallops with cauliflower puree, black pudding, button mushrooms and truffel oil Wine match: Montana Reserve Chardonnay -Scallop Hot Dog Scallop sausage, caramelised shallots, seed mustard mayo, tomato compo served on a bread roll Wine match: Deutz Malborough Cuvee -Scallop and Clam Chowder Wine match: Wither Hills 2004 Sauvignon Blanc

COROMANDEL CUISINE There's also a huge array of the Coromandel's best homegrown cuisine on offer throughout the day. TuaTua will be serving up the Coromandel's special blend - Coffee Lala. We've also got smoked mussels, lamb shanks, oysters, kina, olive oils, pestos, cheeses, macadamia crumbed scallops and snapper, Mills Reef's Cooks Beach Chardonnay amongst other things - check out the growing list on the festival website.

WHITEBAIT ANYONE? Something from a little further afield - The Whitebait Wagon are travelling to the festival, all the way from Rangiora. They will be serving up delicious whitebait patties in the festival grounds on Saturday!

TICKET SALES Remember if you want to come along to the Scallop Festival, you need to buy a ticket in advance from the festival website or Coromandel Information Centres. These cost $10 and give you entry to the festival grounds on Saturday 20th August. Between 10am and 5pm we have a huge array of food and wine stands, 3 live bands, comedy, competitions and the chance to win lots of prizes.

The location is simply spectacular, right on the edge of the harbour next to the Marina. There will be plenty of cover to hide away from the elements on the day!

On entering the festival grounds you will be issued with a numbered Monteiths wristband and throughout the day we'll be drawing some great prizes including 2 nights at the Marina Park apartments.

NEXT WEEK We'll fill you in on some of the entertainment at various venues like TuaTua and the Whitianga Hotel. They'll be hosting live music on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival.

For more information on tickets and accommodation check out www.scallopfestival.co.nz

Cheers From, the Scallop Fest Committee

Once again a huge thanks to our Major Sponsors - WHITIANGA WATERWAYS and also to:

-NEW WORLD -The Breeze -Coromandel FM -Whitianga Hotel -Monteiths -Independent Liqour -Bayleys -Tourism Coromandel -Desination Mercury Bay -Thames Coromandel District Council -Adventure Racing Coromandel -Richardsons Real Estate -LJ Hooker -Valley Toyota -Marina Park Apartments -The Informer -Coastal News

ENDS

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