Tasting Arno provided an economic boost – attracting hundreds of visitors from outside the district.
Committee member Delicia Turner said there were a lot of people from Whyalla, Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay who attended.
There were 466 tickets sold – slightly down on the 500 the previous year, with not as many locals supporting the event this year.
However, Arno Bay clubs and businesses benefitted – with local venues, businesses and clubs gaining revenue from venue hire, providing the bus services, running bars and the South Australian Country Women’s Association (SACWA) branch catering the food in the hall.
Arno Bay Caravan Park owner Steve Dunn said it was booked out for the weekend.
“It was huge for everyone,” he said.
Delicia said when fellow committee members Samara Turner, Hannah Turner and Judith Rehn travelled on a bus to attend some venues they were asked who had organised the event.
On hearing it was them they received huge applause from passengers.
“It was definitely well supported – there were loads of people from Lincoln and Whyalla,” Delicia said.
“Many people said they are coming back next year with their husbands or more friends.
“They were amazed by it.”
She said they believed the $40 cost was very reasonable, when compared to attending any other festivals or events.
People then paid for their own taster size meals and drinks at venues – in pretty much the same format as previous years.
There was live music at all venues and continuous music at Turnbull Park.
Arno Bay Yacht Club operated the bar there and hired out the kitchen to Clean Seas and chef Tony Ford, with kingfish featuring prominently on the menu, plus music from The Bock Shepherd Experience and Rusty Bonnet.
Arno Bay SACWA catered at the war memorial hall with Ray Marino and Mates playing there.
Liquid Lunch and Gemma Leonard played alternatively at Turnbull Park, where The Pink Door offered cocktails.
Hotel Arno sold a variety of pizzas and had music duo The Bock Shepherd Experience play in the evening.
The only out of town business was Hotel Boston, which catered at the Complex, with Ports Football and Netball Club operating the bar there by mid-afternoon.
Delicia said others to benefit were Arno Bay New Year’s Day Committee, which hired its children’s games; Jetty Cafe which had increased customers from the event; and Arno Bay Dirt Circuit Club, which drove the buses along with Ports’ volunteers.
“There was local wine, beer and gin,” Delicia said.
“People used local produce as much as they could – that is the idea to try and promote the community and to help local businesses, local clubs and local products and the region.”
The event is put on solely by volunteers, with the only funding towards it being a $500 grant from Cleve District Council.
