The Robertson Potato Festival has 'something for everyone'

You can buy local potatoes, strut on a catwalk in a potato sack, compete in a spud and spoon race and even enter a mash eating competition.

Festival organiser and managing director of Expertise Events Gary Fitz-Roy told the Southern Highland News about the benefits the festival would have for the region, and what people can look forward to.

"There is something for everyone," he said.

"I think this is an opportunity to combine music, food and old-fashion country fun."

See what you can get up to at the Robertson Showground from April 30 to May 1.

See a collection of artworks that put potatoes and the village of Robertson proudly on display. Paintings and drawings throughout the exhibition have been awarded different prizes like highly commended and People's Choice. You can see the pieces from April 21 to 23 and April 28 to May 1 at CTC Robertson. It is a free exhibition. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm from every Thursday to Friday, 9am to 1pm every Saturday and 10am to 4pm on May 1.

Do you have a creative flair and think you can construct an outfit out of potato sacks? Well you're in luck! You need to craft an ensemble that will be worn on a model and showcased on a catwalk to be crowned the Hottest Potato! There will be two Singer sewing machines up for grabs for entrants 16 and under and aged 17 and older. Entries must be made up of 50 per cent of potato sacks, which can be supplied on the day or purchased in Robertson. The parade will take place on May 1 at 2.30pm.

You collect points for every activity you do in the Spud-A-Dome, which will be tallied. The person with the most points is the Spudfest Champion and the 'Cream of the Crop' for 2022.

Kids and adults can take part in different games and competitions across the weekend.

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Parents and guardians can do some activities with their little ones. As part of their 150th anniversary, Robertson Public School is holding a fundraiser with different activities. Adults must remain with their children throughout.

Adults and young children can take part in activities such as:

Do you love to sing, dance, play an instrument or have a special talent? Come along and perform on stage.

Here is what you can do:

Registration forms will be uploaded to the potato festival website soon.

Lots of performers will be playing over the weekend including Amber Kenny from Robertson, the Shane Pacey Trio, Rapunzel's Party, Rob Webb and the Rusted Track and the Modern Day Gents.

Discover local produce, homemade jams, gardening products and plants in the market, as well different experts ready to give you tips and tricks to use at home.

Learn more about potatoes and add new dishes to your recipe book with the following talks and demonstrations.

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The Western Wood Turners will have a display with working Lathe machine to show some historical insight into potato harvesting. A range of hamdmade wooden pieces will be on sale in their handmade market area.

A free shuttle bus to and from the Robertson Potato Festival which runs from Bowral, Moss Bale and Burrawang. More information about departure times and locations can be found here.

There is limited parking on site on both days.

There is currently an early bird ticket sale. General admission tickets for adults are $20 for one day and $35 for a weekend pass.

Family passes for two adults and two children are $50 for one day and $80 for a weekend pass.

Tickets can be purchased on the potato festival ticket page.

You can enjoy the festival from 9am to 7pm Saturday on April 30, and 9am to 5pm on May 1. More information can be found on https://potatofestival.com.au/home/.

Residents can also watch matinee and evening performances of the Robertson centric play The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race from April 30 to May 1 at the Robertson School of Arts. Tickets can be purchased through TryBooking.

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