Rhodes Stoepsitfees
17-19 February 2023, in the Eastern Cape Highlands
Once a year the residents of Rhodes Village open their doors and give an inside perspective to life in this remote village. The festival includes open stoeps, presentations about aspects of the village, a photography competition and live music. Most importantly, it offers a unique opportunity to meet local residents and experience rural hospitality at its best!
The wide range of stoep experiences includes arts and crafts ranging from landscape paintings to pottery, locally-made products from cheese to pickles, an indigenous-plant nursery, art galleries and handmade crafts. Enjoy demonstrations of wool-spinning, cooking and gardening with plenty of time to relax with live music and a variety of delicious culinary fare!
Presentations
Rose Pruning - Tony Kietzman
Rhode’s own Tony Kietzman will be doing a rose-pruning demonstration in the community rose garden of Ludwig’s Roses. Tony has many strings to his bow: in addition to his propagation of indigenous plants and heritage roses, he is a fly-fishing guide, a wild-flower guide and an artist.
From the Garden to the Table - Nohline Geyer at the Rhodes Studio House
The Rhodes Studio House (restaurant/art gallery) will host a culinary experience celebrating local produce from the garden to the table. Nohline will demonstrate what can be done with seasonal and local produce.
The Geology of Rhodes - Goonie Marsh at Walkerbouts Inn
Professor of Geology at Rhodes University, Goonie Marsh will present a talk on the landscape surrounding Rhodes village.
Goonie Marsh
Live Music – Charles Webster & Kath McClelland at Walkerbouts Inn
Back by popular demand guitarist and singer Charles Webster performs with vocalist Kath McClelland present “Feelin’ Groovy” with easy listening music with familiar favourites in both English and Afrikaans. (This event is brought to you by Bridging Events.)
Charles Webster (Rhodes Stoepsitfees 2022)
Who can attend?
Rhodes Village attracts a constant stream of visitors with diverse interests, but a common love and yearning for the charm of the area. We hope to build on the record-breaking 20 stoeps which participated in the 2022 Rhodes Stoepsitfees and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the historic village in the Eastern Cape Highlands.
When does it take place?
17-19 February 2023
Typically a quiet period in the village, yet one of the most beautiful, with flowers in full bloom and the mountain scenery spectacular. We hope to encourage visitors who are able to take advantage of this “secret season”.
Where does it take place?
The Rhodes Information Centre is the hub of the festival. Homes and businesses throughout the village and surrounding farms take part in the Rhodes Stoepsitfees. Catered or self-catering accommodation can be arranged for visitors through the Rhodes Information Centre for rental for the duration of the festival and throughout the year.
Passports
Rhodes Passports must be purchased at the Rhodes Information Centre to gain access to all participating stoeps where they are duly stamped by the various Stoep-owners. The Passport fee is R150 and includes all demonstrations and access to the live music event.
Why does one do the Rhodes Stoepsitfees?
A festival is a gathering of like-minded people in celebration of …?
In this case, to celebrate the practice of an age-old tradition, ie stoepsitting, where events of the day, week, year or millennia are dissected and analysed in detail. The proximity to reality of such conversations is, of course, the subject of ongoing debate and encapsulates the essence of stoepsitting.
Community Blanket Project - Sponsored by Saprotex International
For those who feel so inclined, balls of wool, knitting and crocheting needles will be on hand for folk to knit strips that will be stitched together to make blankets. The finished products are auctioned at the annual Dirt Road Traders Wild Trout Association Fly-Fishing Festival to raise funds for the Rhodes Animal Care project.
This is an ongoing project that has ensured regular visits by State veterinarians and their team members to attend to the neutering of cates and dogs and other animals in need of veterinary attention.
Who to contact for more information and bookings
- The Rhodes Stoepsitfees is administered through the Rhodes Information Centre
- contact@rhodesinfo.co.za
- Xolelwa Yaleko (045 971 9003) or Margie Murray (082 773 8576)
Rhodes Stoepsitfees 2022 in a glance