The Sydney Food & Wine Fair 2011: A user guide

It’s a big, all-weather event and there’s lots going on. The following will help make your day at the fair safe, comfortable, diverting and delicious.

The park

We are one of only three events allowed to use Sydney’s historic Hyde Park North. This rare privilege is afforded us by the City of Sydney. We go to extraordinary lengths to supply services and infrastructure that do not damage the park or impair its beauty. We seek to leave the park as we find it — majestic.

Of course the park is to be enjoyed. What could be more delightful than gathering on the lawns with a few friends, a lobster salad and a glass of wine? However, we would request that you resist the temptation to paddle in the fountains, climb the trees or ramble through the garden beds.

Be aware that Hyde Park North is an island of beauty in the midst of Sydney’s CBD. As such, it is surrounded by busy roads. We recommend that you use the main entrances to safely enter and leave the area. They are serviced by traffic lights to assist you.

Volunteers

AIDS Trust of Australia volunteers are everywhere throughout the day. They all wear white T-shirts and matching caps sporting our Red Ribbon logo. They all give freely of their time and energy to make the day happen. They are wonderful.

If you have a question, a volunteer will most likely have the answer or be able to direct you to someone who has.

Coupon Sales

You will need to purchase coupons to exchange for food or beverages from stallholders. Stallholders do not sell coupons. Coupons may be purchased from any of three rows of coupon sales points conveniently located about the park. Coupons may be purchased with cash, EFTPOS or credit card. All cards are acceptable.

Coupons are sold in sheets of five. As you wander through the stalls, you will notice signs indicating how many coupons any particular item might cost. Stallholders will receive your coupons in exchange for whatever they are serving.

Each sheet of five coupons also includes a raffle entry coupon. Simply fill in the coupon and return it to the Trust Bar near the stage. Enter the raffle as many times as you wish. Good luck.

Red Ribbon Prizes

You will notice pairs of volunteers roaming the park selling Red Ribbon Prize envelopes of various denominations. Buy one. Each comes with a prize. You’ll love it.

Toilets

There are banks of portable toilets located on the eastern side of the park for your convenience.

Rubbish

We place multiple waste disposal sites about the park. We like to keep the park pretty. Please recycle.

Alcohol

The event is licensed to sell alcohol from 11am–5pm. The licensee shall be in attendance at the Trust Bar throughout the day. We follow and endorse best practice for the responsible service of alcohol. Everyone serving alcohol at the event is RSA-certified.

For your own health and the comfort of others please consume alcohol in moderation and accompanied with food.

Proof of age may be required.

Please do not bring alcohol with you to the park and please do not take partially consumed alcohol from the park. There are signs to guide you in relation to this topic.

First Aid

Assistance is readily available in the case of medical emergency or general First Aid. A clearly identified First Aid tent is located on the eastern side of the park, supplied and staffed by our dear friends from the St John Ambulance Australia service. We like their outfits and very much admire and respect their skill and dedication.

Security

People, goods and indeed vehicles flow about the park all day. For the comfort and safety of all, the gentle persons from Constant Security watch over the fair. They are clearly identifiable and will offer guidance and assistance as required.

Central security is located on the eastern side of the park. Security is not coat check!

Media

There will be various media representatives and film crews present at the event. All will be clearly identified. Your privacy and comfort are paramount. If you are approached by a member of the media or a film crew, and you feel uncomfortable about participating, just say no. Strangely, few say no.

General

It’s a park, in the daytime, so we suggest you consider appropriate protection from the sun. An appropriate hat and sunglasses are highly recommended, possibly with matching gloves.

If your look for the day happens to involve a lot of exposed skin, we suggest you bring sunblock.

Comfortable flat shoes are advised but as it’s after Labour Day, wear white shoes at your peril.

We would strongly discourage you from accessorising with your pair of matching mastiffs. This is not the perfect event for pets. Sorry.

Many Sydney Food & Wine Fair veterans bring a picnic blanket. We provide tables and chairs, artfully placed in various locations so that you may sit in the midst of the action, or not — as you prefer.

Do approach anyone wearing an AIDS Trust of Australia lanyard if you require assistance in any way.

Have fun and see you on the way ’round.