MEDIA RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Monday, 5th November 2007

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Inaugural Heyfield camp oven festival a great weekend: Ingram

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, along with his family, today described the inaugural Great Victorian Camp Oven Festival at Heyfield as “a great event with a spectacular future”.

Held over the past weekend, Mr Ingram and his family camped out over two nights at the Gordon Street Reserve, taking an active part in the festival activities.

Mr Ingram today congratulated the organisers, sponsors and the Heyfield community for having the inspiration for organising and running the event.

“The camp oven festival has a bright future and has the potential to be a positive signature event for Heyfield,” he said.

While one should never complain about rain, Mr Ingram said that the weather on the weekend was best described as “character building and challenging, and a major incentive to upgrade from a tent to a caravan”.

Unofficial rainfall totals from Friday to Sunday recorded Heyfield receiving 200mm.

“Clearly, the weather had an impact on visitor numbers and competitors, but the spirit and quality of the food cooked by competitors surpassed the rain and wild weather,” he said.

“Enormous effort and thought clearly went into the presentation and cooking of main meals, roast meats, specialty dishes, damper and a range of other food cooked by the competitors.

“Entrants shared recipes and ideas and showed that it is almost unlimited what can be cooked on the coals of a camp fire. The quality and presentation of the food was exceptional.

“I would encourage all to attend next year’s camp oven festival as it will be a great weekend for anyone interested in the great outdoors and camp fire cooking,” Mr Ingram concluded.

http://www.campovenfestival.com/