The State Government will help bring back the “Taste the Limestone Coast” Festival in 2024 – following a three-year hiatus – through a $20,000 funding boost.

Prior to COVID, the event attracted crowds of around 2000 visitors to the region, including many from interstate.

The popular food and wine event will return to Naracoorte as a one-day festival on February 10 and coincide with the running of the Naracoorte Cup the next day.

The funding will enable the organising committee and local volunteers to run the event, including the provision of marquees, fencing and security staff.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, announcing the decision, said that events drive visitation and play an important role in showcasing destinations in South Australia.

“It is a great outcome for the hard-working volunteers from the Naracoorte Lions Club to have their festival back in the region, and I congratulate them on bringing this popular event back,” he said.

“By reinstating Taste the Limestone Coast we can see how a strong community comes together to create a terrific local event which will drive visitors to the region and give everyone a reason to celebrate.”

Lions Club of Naracoorte’s Graeme Wright said the festival organisers were “absolutely thrilled” to receive support from SATC for the 2024 event.

“The Lions Club of Naracoorte, along with its committee, is delighted to once again be able to showcase all the wonderful food, award winning wines, music and entertainment the Limestone Coast has to offer,” he said.

“To be able to hold events especially in regional SA is vital for smaller communities such as Naracoorte. It will be wonderful to welcome many visitors to our area and see the flow on benefits to the local economy.”