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\nOrganisers were able to secure enough Bluff oysters to continue with their event.
\nPhoto: Andrew Baird\n<\/p>\n
The Bluff Oyster Festival will take the rare position of selling tickets at the gate, after a supply issue and rising fuel costs meant a sharp decline in sales, according to organisers.<\/p>\n
The Southland festival, which celebrates the famous oysters, as well as plenty of other seafood, usually sells out early.<\/p>\n
Bluff Oyster Festival publicity manager Lindsay Beer said, when it was planning this year’s event, it was originally not sure there would be enough Bluff oysters.<\/p>\n
“With the possibility of a fuel crisis and the high cost of living, by the time we were able to confirm that there would be Bluff oysters in plentiful supply, I think a lot of people had made their plans.”<\/p>\n
Beer hoped strong foot traffic at the event would make up for weak ticket sales.<\/p>\n
“We just need a really good turnout to rebuild those finances and that will secure the future of the festival.”<\/p>\n
Beer believed this years dip in sales was temporary, but admitted it was a difficult time to be operating.<\/p>\n
“The festival’s been hugely successful over many years and it’s been very profitable.”<\/p>\n
He said the event was a “real boon” for the regional economy in Southland.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully, the local market realise that and, by turning out tomorrow, that will secure the future and bring plenty of economic benefit in future years to the region.”<\/p>\n