The first National Rooibos Day will be celebrated on Monday, 16 January 2017 in Clanwilliam, the Rooibos capital of the world. The festivities are to take place at the Augsburg Landbou Gimnasium from 18:00 – 22:00, with gates opening at 17:00.
There is no admission charge for the event, and the first 500 visitors to arrive will receive a coupon, which they can hand in at any of the stalls to receive a product, drink or gift.
“Visitors can expect an exciting variety of merchants, products and exhibits. The only prerequisite? Everything must be related to Rooibos!” says Sanet Stander, co-owner of Rooibos Tea House and co-founder of the Rooibos Route.
Lovers of a good old cup of pure Rooibos tea can look forward to stalls with products by Carmien Tea, Khoisan tea, Rooibos ltd, Ou Huis, Kings, Biedouw Valley Rooibos and The Storytellers.
For individuals who have a deeper thirst to quench, there’s plenty of adventurous options to choose from. The craft beer brewery Stellenbrau is showcasing its Rooibos-infused beer, while craft cidery Windermere is selling a Rooibos Apple Cider. Audacia will have Rooibos Wine on offer, while Klawer Wyne is offering an African Ruby Vermouth. There will also be Rooibos slush puppies and Rooibos ice tea with a kick.
“Foodies can look forward to Rooibos roosterkoeke with braaiwors, chicken sosaties, smoked snoek, chicken salad, curry and rice with Rooibos-stewed fruits, and a delectable Rooibos steak burger,” says Marietjie Smit, business partner and sibling of Sanet.
Those with a sweet tooth can expect ice cream with Rooibos, rusks, cookies, fudge, cupcakes, bread and stuffed pancakes.
Seeing as though Rooibos is an agricultural cornerstone of the Clanwilliam region, farmers and agri-enthusiasts can look forward to displays by Kaap Agri: Graafwater on tea-planting machinery and tractors, while Afgri will be showcasing John Deere farm implements and tractors.
Annique will also showcase their range of Rooibos-based beauty products, and CANSA will be at the event to create awareness about their worthy cause.
To apply for free space for a stall at the event, contact Sanet or Marietjie at nationalrooibosday@rooibos-route.co.za or phone at 027 482 1007. The only catch? You guessed it – all products must be Rooibos-related!
