The organisers of the Pick 'n Pay 2017 Knysna Oyster Festival are ready to welcome visitors to the annual event this weekend.
The festival will take place between Friday 7 July and Sunday 16 July, and comes just weeks after the devastating fires that claimed seven lives and displaced thousands.
Read: Knysna Tourism implores visitors to attend Oyster Fest after devastating fires
Worldsport are the organisers and managers of the the festival and Worldsport director Steyn Momberg says they have kept the town's challenges in mind.
He says organisers are cognisant of the weather conditions and water shortages and restrictions.
Also read: Zille: Garden Route rebuild project to jumpstart local economy
Momberg explains that the festival has a massive positive impact on the economy, especially during winter off-season.
He says the organisers, municipality and tourist authorities agreed that continuing with the festival is crucial to Knysna's economic recovery.
We thought that if we do not have this festival it could be almost a bigger disaster than the fire, and I don't say that lightly.
— Steyn Momberg, Director at Worldsport
The economic impact of this festival in the middle of winter is massively important.
— Steyn Momberg, Director at Worldsport
Momberghas encouraged the public to support the town by attending the annual Oyster Festival.
Take a listen to him explain what to expect from the event:
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