By Jess Baker
Those eager to support the 2022 Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival now have another opportunity to do so, with organisers this week inviting the local community to “join the club”.
For the very first time, fans of the festival can become members of an Apple and Grape Club.
Festival president Russell Wantling said joining the club was a way for the community to show its support for the festival and earn instant rewards.
“We’ve opened up a $30 club membership and to thank our loyal festival fans we’re giving them back $50 of value in tickets and bonuses straight up,” Mr Wantling said.
Apple and Grape Club membership includes a three-day pass to the Queensland Country Bank Food and Wine Fiesta, a free gift of a festival-branded stemless picnic glass, and access to early release tickets.
“We’ve already received a huge amount of interest in the Banchetto Italiano, which is a sell-out event every festival, and to thank our loyal club fans we’ll be giving them an opportunity to purchase early release tickets to this event,“ Mr Wantling said.
“It gives us a genuine feel good moment when the community gets behind the festival to show their support, because we’re all just doing it for the Stanthorpe that we love.”
Member for Southern Downs James Lister was the first to become a member of the brand new club, and said joining was a great way for everyone to do their bit and get behind the festival and its many “terrific” volunteers.
“The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is a much-beloved Queensland icon, and it’s something we’re really proud of. It brings about 60,000 visitors to Southern Downs which is great for local jobs and small businesses,” Mr Lister said.
“I was honoured to be the first person to get to sign up for the Apple and Grape Club. For 30 bucks I’ll get discounts during the festival and it gives me the chance to support the legendary Apple and Grape.”
The 2022 festival marks a momentous milestone in Stanthorpe’s history, being 150 years since the town was founded.
Apple and Grape’s Mr Wantling said the festival celebration would befit the occasion, with the Grape Crush Championships, Queensland Country Bank Food and Wine Fiesta, Channel 7 Grand Parade, Rebel FM Street Carnival, and the Apple and Grape Gala Ball just some of the events to look forward to in a bumper program.
The 10-day festival will take place between 25 February and 6 March next year.
To join the Apple and Grape Club, visit www.appleandgrape.org before the invitation closes on 31 October 2021.
