Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
This past weekend a Newcastle Winter Festival project had people relishing the outdoors, dressing up, enjoying live music and soaking up great company. Getting people out of their houses and onto creative, custom rafts, the OppiDam Festival brought Balele Resort in Utrecht to life.
Newcastle Sakekamer‘s Vice President Angelique van Vuuren gives us the rundown of the event, “The OppiDam Festival is a new part of the Winter Festival, where we are bringing something new and innovative for the community to enjoy.”
Kicking off on Friday,28 January 2022, continuing through Saturday, 29 January 2022, the OppiDam Festival had festivalgoers participating in a host of activities.
Getting into the action; The event kicked off, coming to life with a live performance from the South African band, Vis en Chips.
After a festive evening in true Northern KwaZulu-Natal spirit, Saturday welcomed the highly anticipated Raft Race, one of the main events.
Just a quick breakdown, the rafts had to be made out of recyclable materials. But apart from this, competitors could let their imaginations run wild. From pirates to floating pubs, the event saw companies and individuals take their creations to another level.
With all of this in mind, let us take a look at the OppiDam Festival events and their winners:
Raft Race Winners
Prizes were awarded to each of the teams who entered the race.
However, The top three winners are:
- 1st: Bok Cuarteto
- 2nd: Davida se pirates
- 3rd: Mur2
Best dressed and best team spirit:
- Davida se Pirates
Damduikers:
- Free Willy’s
Remedials:
- Brandewyn Cruises
Agterosse:
- Iveco Newcastle
Nie die skerpste potlode in die pakkie nie:
- Rapportryers
Stiff Necks:
- NTT In a Meeting
Chancers:
- Team Clumsy
Breakdowns:
- NTT Pirates
Local is lekker:
- Bergsig skool and Utrecht High School.
In addition, fitness enthusiasts had the opportunity to take part in a fun run. The competition was divided into 5km and 10km distances, allowing avid runners to put their skills to the test while getting out of the rut of their daily routines.
Fun Run Winners
5km
- Senzo Ndlovu
- Danie Opperman
- Atenkhosi Madida
10km
- Abraham Zulu
- Hlobisile Madida
- Xolili Madiba
Taking to the trails, two MTB (mountain bike) races challenged competitors with the rain adding some extra merriment to the events.
Divided into two sections, a 22km trail and a 45km trail, torrential rain turned large portions of the courses into muddy obstacles, resulting in a formidable yet enjoyable experience.
MTB Race Winners
Ladies
- Berdine Heydenrych
- Chantal Filippe
Men 22km
- Kevin Pieters
- Cliff de Valence
- Ruan Labuschagne
Men 45km
- ACS Swanepoel
- Lourens de Beer
- Tim Bezuidenhout
Pulling out the clubs and cutting some Utrecht grass, Golfing enthusiasts also had the chance to prove their prowess during the event.
Golf Winners on the day.
Men
- 1st – Koenie Lourens
- 2nd – Gerrie de Beer
- 3rd – Gerrie Combrink
Ladies
- 1st – Wilma Lindique
- 2nd – Courtney Smith
When taking a walk around the event and noting what was on offer, the OppiDam Festival, besides the local talent offering live entertainment, had various stalls that provided festivalgoers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and sumptuous foods.
Drawing the two-day event to a close, the OppiDam Festival hosted well-known South African entertainer Leah, who took to the stage. Leah is a South African actress, singer, dancer, presenter, and model who rose to prominence after starring opposite Bobby van Jaarsveld in the 2013 feature film As Jy Sing.
Even though a new initiative, The OppiDam Festival, proved to be a resounding success, with the organising committee receiving heart-warming feedback.
Looking to the future, van Vuuren says that the dedicated and highly skilled Winter Festival committee, an asset to the Sakekamer, has affirmed that they will definitely be looking at making the OppiDam Festival an annual event.
Concluding, the organising committee extended its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, namely:
- Trix from Buffelsfontein & Red Square for their sponsorship of the indoor entertainment.
- Rob Hoatson and the Thirsti team for their sponsorship of the Raft Race, Fun Run and MTB Race.
- The Utrecht Municipality who wholeheartedly assisted in getting approval for the event in Utrecht.
- Cesarèa Guest House for hosting Leah.
- Bruce of the Vis en Chips Band
“We would like to thank each and every sponsor who has made this event possible. This would not have been a success without your contribution”.
Armand Botha
Moreover, Armand Botha, the Winter Festival Project Leader, thanked each and every Winter Festival committee member for their time and hard work throughout the entire event. “Your input, passion and dedication ensured the success of the event which was planned in a very short time. It is highly appreciated.”
He adds that this festival is close to the Winter Festival committee’s hearts, and they will strive to make each event as memorable as possible to everyone. “Therefore, we would like to thank everyone who visited and supported our event.”
What are your thoughts on the event? Share your views in the comment section below.
RELATED NEWS
