A BELOVED Renmark festival will bloom across the entire region this year as it changes its name and brand for more exposure, inclusion and resources.
The Renmark Rose Festival – held annually for 10 days in October – will be rebranded and renamed the Renmark Riverland Rose Festival, to include other towns and show what the whole region has to offer.
The Renmark Rose Festival committee came to the consensus early this week, and president Sheree Chappel said the rebranding was a “long-time coming”.
“Rebranding and renaming the festival has been spoken about numerous times over the years but an agreement was never made until now,” she said.
“For years other towns have been involved in our open garden attraction, so it’s never been just about Renmark.
“Every town has something unique and amazing to offer so it’s important we come together and give tourists and locals something special.”
Mrs Chappel said due to COVID-19, this year’s festival, which is in its 26th year, will be condensed.
“This year we’ve modified the festival a bit and are condensing it into four days – Friday, October 16, to Monday, October 19, but the open gardens will run for the normal 10 days,” she said.
“We will have our main attractions such as The Institute, the fair, Chefs in the Garden and open gardens, but unfortunately our ambassador program will not go ahead and neither will the gala dinner.
“We have collaborated with Julie Robertson at Calperum Station and together we have added another attraction to the festival.
“We hope that by making the festival a Riverland event, other towns will add more attractions to make the festival bigger and better.
“This year will be our transition year so we will learn what works and what doesn’t, but next year, we hope to go bigger and better over 10 days.”
Calperum Station director of business development and education Julie Robertson said she looks forward to having Calperum be part of the festival.
“Calperum Station is a hidden gem and not many people know what we have to offer,” she said.
“Although the Rose Festival is about roses and flowers, at Calperum we have native gardens, educational programs, delicious produce and jam, a 5km heritage walk and ecologists and rangers to guide tours.
“People can learn about sustainability, diversity and enjoy a different experience.
“It’s unknown when the attraction will be open during the festival but I hope we can open for at least two days or by appointment.”
Immediate past president of the World Federation of Rose Societies Kelvin Trimper said he looks forward to the change.
“Rebranding the festival and making it a whole Riverland event is a fantastic idea,” he said.
“People look at the Riverland as a region, not just as Renmark, and from a tourist point of view it’s an excuse to stay around longer.
“Renmark has been famous for roses since the Ruston’s dynasty but there are just as many beautiful gardens in surrounding towns.
“With COVID-19, the premier is encouraging South Australians to visit regional towns so this is a fantastic way to make the most of any tourists’ visit.”
Mr Trimper said although roses grow worldwide, there’s “something special” about the Riverland.
“The region’s stunning clean, green environment makes it a great place to grow roses,” he said.
“In the Riverland, people move away from different sorts of sprays and fertilisers because the environment’s natural remedies and sunshine work absolute wonders.
“The Riverland is world-renowned for their roses and I hope everyone gets behind this fantastic change.”