THE MAGIC OF VERI-FEST

Amari Marè

@amari.mare

 

Veri-Fest lit up Potchefstroom with its first ever celebration of culture, community and campus pride. Families and friends gathered under sunny skies that soon turned into gentle rain. But it seemed that the drizzle only added to the magic of Veri-Fest.

 

One Minute and 54 seconds! That is the time of the first ever boerewors rolletjie challenge! “I feel like a champ!” says Khanyile, who is proud to set the veri-first record. The Wys-Jou-Vleis champion didn’t have time to dilly dally, for he was directly led to the stage.

 

The Wys-Jou-Vleis competitors were especially quite lovely of the ladies in the crowd. This competition consisted of men showing off their tan lines, chest hair, muscles and dance moves. One minute to convince the crowd, but the men didn’t let the crowd wait. They were barely two steps on the stage when their shirts were thrown into the hands of the cheering onlookers. Their moves certainly left the crowd red with laughter and cheers.

 

These competitions were a great icebreaker for everyone to settle and find their perfect braai spot. The record-taking was over in the blink of an eye, with a record of the most university students with friends and family braaing together. The rain definitely did not break the spirit of these festival goers. The white tent was like a haven for the rain, with the people huddled tightly together to escape the weather.

 

The signature red colour of Six-Gun Grill Spice drew everyone to a stand in an attempt to win something from the brand, from red bucket hats to aprons and spices. Potchefstroom is known for having gees and the crowd did not disappoint. The red colour was certainly a constant highlight of Veri-Fest.

 

Furthermore, SANBS also had a booth where people could donate blood, which also gave them, along with other vendors, exposure. So Veri-Fest is more than a braai, it’s an all inclusive movement.

 

This special day serves as a chance for family and friends from all over to come together as one family and enjoy the day around a braai. Families were thankful for the opportunity of being able to be there with their loved ones. Veri-Fest is praised for this opportunity and their ability to organise an event with no exclusion between students, students-at-heart, parents with young ones, and grandparents. The Veri-Fest family was everywhere at once, always ready to help or run across the field to deliver a message.

 

Veri-Fest proved itself as a celebration of joy, unity, and the unmistakable gees that made Potchefstroom shine. The rain only made the hearts of everyone shine brighter. This festival set the stage for future traditions, stronger bonds and unforgettable memories. Here’s to many more moments of spice, spirit and togetherness.

 

 

Edited by Mignon Walters