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inTERTAINMENT: Words by Anyas van der WesthuizenPhotos courtesy of Grapevine

If you are in the Citrusdal area in the Western Cape on Saturday, 1 September, then don't miss the first-ever Citrusdal Food and Wine Festival, which is taking place at the Citrusdal Sports Ground, on the cricket field, from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Plus there is loads of mountain biking and trail running action lined up over the weekend too.

Festival goers can look forward to sampling a wonderful selection of wines produced in the region, as well as meander through 39 food stalls that will showcase only the very best foods from the local community, farmers and surrounding restaurants. These folk are going all out to prove what real 'country style' cooking and baking is all about, with special dishes fashioned to reflect Citrusdal's unique culinary style, as well as the area's fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. For anyone that has been wanting to hone or improve their culinary skills, there's a great line-up of shows dedicated to cooking and baking. The day will be wrapped up with a three-course dinner and dance, the food lovingly concocted by Citrusdal’ best professional chefs Salome from Grapevine, Steve from Hebron and Johannes from Die Sitrus.

The Citrusdal Food & Wine Festival Beckons

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This festival is not just about great food and fabulous wines, it's also about entertainment for people of all ages. For those looking for something more active there's a host of great events lined up including a 15 km and 30 km mountain bike trail on the Saturday, as well as a 10 km Trail Run and 115 km MTB Challenge trail on the Sunday.

The Challenge will be followed by an amazing brunch buffet, at Bydidam Resort. Not forgetting the kids, there will be a full-on fun fair offering a range of activities for children that promises to keep them happy and entertained all day long. On stage catch some of the region's favourite bands, such as the popular Desmond Wells & Slagyster, who were nominated by Huisgenoot as the Afrikaans dance album of the year.

The organisers recommend that guests book overnight accommodation so that you can indulge without a conscience, and be prepared to take home a boot load of wine and country fare that will have you counting the days until next year's event. Tickets are R100 per person and includes all wine and beer tastings, cooking shows, live entertainment and fun fair rides. For more information on the festival, visit www.facebook.com/citrusdalfoodwinefestival.

Saturday 1 SeptemberCitrusdal Mountain Bike ChallengeThis is a popular race because of its wide variety of challenging trails, and this year's event won't disappoint with some new single track that has been added. There are two events on the Saturday; the 15 km that starts at 9.00 a.m. and the 30 km technical race that starts at 9.15 a.m. The routes include great single track and require good technical expertise and fitness to handle the long climbs, some rocky, twisty descents, steep climbs and river crossings. To find out more visit www.diesitrus.co.za

Trail RunStarting on Saturday at 9.30 a.m., this route starts in town and heads out into the surrounding farms. It winds through orange groves and fields of spring daisies bordering the banks of the Olifants River. With the mountains as a backdrop, it all makes for a beautiful and very scenic run. Both the social runner/walker and more experience runner will enjoy this trail as it consists mostly of jeep-track, mild climbs, a sharp turn or two and a bit of tar road towards the end. A water point is situated amongst the trees as you approach the 4 km mark, with a second water point on the 8 km mark. Runners that worked up an appetite will also find a carbo-loading stand here. From there on runners can crank up the pace on the tar road towards the finish line. To find out more visit www.makadasadventures.co.za

Tip Trans Cederberg Xperience

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Sunday 2 SeptemberTip Trans Cederberg Xperience 115 km ChallengeStarting at 7.00 a.m. on Sunday morning, this scenic route takes cyclists from Citrusdal, through the Cederberg and towards Clanwilliam before turning back just before the town and all along the Clanwilliam Dam. This route is a non-technical endurance challenge and requires fitness for the climbs. There will be eight water points and two protein stands to see competitors through to the finish. Anyone who also takes part in the 30 km event on Saturday will be given a head start at this race! To find out more or enter, visit www.diesitrus.co.za.

Trail Running Package:Enter one of the trail races on 1 September and the 115 km Endurance Challenge on 2 September and qualify for a special weekend package. For just R350 you get entry into both races, dinner at Die Sitrus Sports Cafe on Saturday evening, a camping spot on the rugby field with access to hot showers, and entry into the food and wine festival. To find out more visit www.makadasadventures.co.za.