CENTENARY POSTCARD : Sam Mooi , a former political activist, teaches a young boy how to play the African "calling" drum. This is indicative of the positive political changes that have taken place in South Africa and De Aar since 1994.

The town has many tourist attractions which include tours to artists, a weather station, San rock art and historical buildings like Olive Schreiner's house. It is a favourite nesting place of the Kestrel, a small raptor visiting the area from Russia.

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De Aar will be celebrating its Centenary with a Centenary Festival over the period 07 - 12 October 2002.

De Aar will use the opportunity to establish itself as a Tourism destination and to further its economical development. The Festival is seen as the best opportunity available in the near future, to be used to the benefit of De Aar's advancement.

Centenary Festival Profile

Festivities will be taking place throughout the year thereby ensuring the involvement of all sectors of the community such as schools, clubs and other organizations, thereby providing the opportunity for all to take part in the run up to the main event of the week 08 - 14 October.

During this week, activities such as a Beer Fest, Food & Wine Fest, Cultural presentations including a Choir Fest and Guest Artists. Sport opportunities such as a half marathon, cycling, horse riding, art exhibitions, steam train rides. An everything-on-wheels procession, mannequin-parade with a hundred years of fashion is planned, as well as agricultural activities such as a sheep shearing competition and sheep dog demonstrations. There might even be an attempt at a world record for the Guineas Book of Records.

The main aim of these activities is the uplifting and empowerment of the community, the promotion of local artists and entrepreneurs, to entice tourists for an economic boost, to unify the community through a communal aim (that of economic development), to entice new investors to the area, and to establish De Aar as a tourist destination.

The coordinator of the festival, Mr Gerhard Engelbrecht, and his committee will be managing affairs.  Mr Engelbrecht is a man with years of experience in planning and executing similar events such as the Springbokfees, National Conference for Round Table and other community projects.  The community of De Aar can expect him to once again organize a very successful  project in conjunction with local schools, sport clubs, businesses, social organizations and associations.  

It is expected that visitors from the immediate area, countrywide and possibly even from overseas will visit De Aar during this week.  It is further expected that Kyknet and certain SABC programmes will cover the Festival.    The Festival and activities will be promoted at other festivals and shows throughout South Africa by means of   alternative advertising such as adverts on trucks and taxis, radio ads, newspaper articles and advertisements, direct mail correspondence and placards, pamphlets distributed by travel agencies and information kiosks as well as through the medium of this website.

A successful festival could ensure improved economical development, prosperity  and stability   to De Aar and its community.

Contact Information

Telephone

+2753-6310927

FAX

+2753-6310105

Postal address

Voortrekker street, De Aar, 7000

Electronic mail

General Information: deaarmun@intekom.co.za
Sales:
Customer Support:
Webmaster: iwebdes@yahoo.com

Send mail to iwebdes@yahoo.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 Municipality of Emthanjeni
Last modified: December 11, 2002