IT may have been chilly outside, but for some Bathurst businesses the winter festival brought in trade as good as a hot summer’s day.
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The second annual Bathurst Winter Festival kicked off on Saturday with a huge street event which attracted thousands of people to the central business district.
The event was centred around Kings Parade, and nearby retailer Annie’s Ice-Cream Parlour did a roaring trade thanks to the big crowds.
Annie’s owner Lisa Pitts said there was a queue of customers out the door for most of the 5-hour long event.
“The festival made it really busy, it was really the equivalent of a summer’s day,” she said.
“We had a lot of business, not just ice-creams but hot chocolates and pancakes.”
Ms Pitts praised Bathurst Regional Council for its initiative in creating the winter festival which was a boost for CBD businesses.
Knickerbocker Hotel owner Scott Macallister said the pub’s location, opposite the festival’s giant ferris wheel, was good for business.
“A lot of people came through the doors earlier in the night for meals which was good,” he said.
Tommy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant owner Tom Griffiths said his restaurant, which has a birds-eye view over the festival, was booked out on the night.
“We had a great amount of trade from it and it was just such a beautiful view,” he said.
Mr Griffiths also praised council’s foresight in creating the festival.
Country Coffee manager Jane Issa, however, said the cafe was not as busy as she expected it would be during the festival and was reconsidering whether to keep it open this Saturday night.
The next major event for the Bathurst Winter Festival will be another street party, Brew and Bite, to be held in Kings Parade this Saturday.
On from 4-9pm, the event will feature a range of family-friendly entertainment including an ice hockey match, fire performers and a silent disco in the forecourt of Bathurst Court House.
The food will take on a distinct street food feel with burgers, gourmet frankfurts, slow cooked lamb, and barbequed ribs. A pop-up bar will serve regional wines, beers and ciders.
The ice-skating rink and ferris wheel will be in operation until Saturday, July 16.
Visit the festival’s website www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au to find out more.
