11/09/04
The 17th annual Spring in the Valley festival will focus on families and the places where they can picnic in the Swan Valley over the festival weekend, Tourism Minister Bob Kucera said today
Mr Kucera launched this year's festival at Whiteman Park, saying more than 50 venues in the Swan Valley region would participate in the Spring in the Valley festival, making it the biggest food and wine festival in Western Australia.
“The Swan Valley’s noted wine, food, art and music will be showcased over the weekend of October 9 and 10,” he said.
“Last year’s festival saw more than 42,000 people visit the Swan Valley, resulting in huge social and economic benefits for the region.
“The Swan Valley is an important tourism asset and one of the most visited areas in WA by tourists on day trips.
“In recognition of this popularity, the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia, has injected more than $400,000 over the last few years into projects such as the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail and the Swan Valley Discovery Centre.”
To officially mark the opening of the festival, the Minister presented this year’s Spring in the Valley art piece, sponsored by Tourism Western Australia.
The piece, titled ‘The Swan Valley’, depicts - in a colourful, modern style - three people, grapes and wine, and was created by local artist Dan Mazzotti.
Mr Kucera said following a successful trial last year, a bus service would again operate from the Midland train station every 15 minutes from 10am. A $5 all-day ticket would allow people to get on and off the service at selected stops on a route that would take them to most of the participating venues.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
