BUSINESSES are snapping up sites for this weekend's Garden and Outdoor Festival in Wagga's Botanic Gardens as predicted warm and fine weather promises to woo thousands of people to the event.
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"Ten sites have gone in the past 24 hours," said John Wood, who has been organising the annual festival the past 19 years for the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Standing among the roses near where sites will start to spring up on Friday, Mr Wood said there was renewed interest among nurseries.
"We've got 10 to 12 nurseries this year, which is good; we started out as a garden and leisure festival," Mr Wood said.
While the sale of plants and other traditional attractions are sure to appeal, Mr Wood said about a third of the scores of site holders would be new to the festival.
They include metal sculptor Tobias Bennett (www.tobiasbennett.com.au).
Wagga's 2012 Citizen of the Year, Grant Luhrs, will sing and gardening expert Adrian Podmore will host question and answer sessions.
There will be lectures on herb gardening, the environment and sustainability.
Cooking demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend and, for those who can't wait to get home to try the recipes, food and drink will be for sale.
Campers, craft, lawn mowers, pools, garden sheds, irrigation, pergolas, garden art, landscape design and travel are among the interests on show.
Sunrise Rotary Club will use proceeds from the festival to benefit local charities.
WHAT: The 19th annual Garden and Outdoor Festival
WHERE: Wagga Botanic Gardens
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, between 10am and 5pm and Sunday, October 26, between 9am and 4.30pm
COST: Free
