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Roosterkoek, craft beer, skaapstertjies, Wagyu burgers, wine and ice cream . . . all these delicacies and more await visitors to the “Groot Plaasproe” from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 October 2018 on the farm Sandringham outside Stellenbosch. This farm festival was so popular last year that this year’s festival lasts a full three days.

A ticket to the festival with more than 150 stalls offers a tasting experience of all things farm. Not only can one enjoy a variety of farm food; festival goers can get up close with more than 300 farm animals and win prizes with their braai and dance skills.

From Boergoat meat to beer and Pinotage!
Adventurous food lovers are challenged to try out "Bok&Bier". This involves pairing boergoat meat, available exclusively at the festival, with craft beer such as a cherry flavoured Sarie Marais. In celebration of International Pinotage Day, on Saturday 13 October, festival goers can enjoy a pairing of a variety of Pinotage wines with biltong, hosted by the Pinotage Association. Potjiekos, goat’s milk cheese, stokbrood, gin and bokkoms are just a few of the other delicacies on offer.

Win with your braaibroodjie
The “Groot Plaasproe” is searching for the best braaibroodjie and steak braai in the Cape. Sign up for one or all three categories in the competition on Saturday 13 October – for traditional or gourmet braaibroodjies (from 12:00 until 13:00) or steak braai (from 14:00 to 15:00). Participants must bring their own ingredients and grids while braai drums, wood and fire-starters are provided. Pre-entries at www.diegrootplaasproe.co.za give participants free admission to the festival. SPAR gift vouchers worth R6 500 are at stake. The judges are well-known food personalities and bloggers as well as members of “Die Braai Crew”.

World champion line dancers
On Saturday 13 October, big and small can show off their skills with Boeresport, an ice cream eating competition as well as on the dance floor. The programme kicks off at 10:00 with 250 line-dancers, including two world champions, who will entertain festival goers and show them the ropes to join in the fun, with music by the Wildberries. This is followed by a “sokkie” dance competition and performances by popular artists Wynand and Chereé and the Broers.

More than 300 farm animals
In the Animal Lane, children can meet all kinds of farm animals - from giant Percheron to miniature horses. Kids can ride on ponies, lead a milk goat and take selfies with their favourite animals. The “Groot Plaasproe” is educational as well as fun: Discover the difference between alpacas and lamas, see how sheepdogs work with sheep, and try to distinguish between 50 different breeds of chickens. Find out where the milk in the bottle comes from, see sheep shearers in action and learn how different animals’ wool is spun. Children can also enter their rabbits for a pet rabbit show held by the Cape Rabbit Club on Saturday 13 October at 10:30.

Dates, times and tickets
The festival takes place daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Tickets are available from Computicket and the gate at R100 for adults, and R30 for scholars (free on Thursday and Friday). Entrance is free for children under six years. Pensioners pay only R50 on Thursday and Friday. Tickets include access to Agri-Expo Livestock, a world-class agricultural showcase, with the crowning of the FNB Dairy Queen and BKB Red Meat King or Queen on Saturday 13 October as its highlight.

Visit www.diegrootplaasproe.co.za for more information; follow the “Groot Plaasproe” on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or contact Agri-Expo on 021 975 4440 or admin@agriexpo.co.za