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The Hastings meatball – a local bakery staple for many decades
The humble meatball – a Hastings bakery staple for many decades – is to get its moment in the sun at the inaugural Hastings Meatball Festival that will kick off this year’s Summer F.A.W.C! in the Hastings city centre on March 14.
Hastings has been renowned for meatballs since the 1950s, when the European owners of the Lilac bakery in Heretaunga St first impressed locals with their version of the traditional Dutch bitterballen.
Since then, all the bakehouses and main street cafes in Hastings have stocked them, and they’re also seen in school canteens, and at many morning and afternoon teas.
At this year’s festival, the brainchild of Hastings District Council, Hawke's Bay bakers, butchers, chefs, and cooks will be presenting their own takes on the classic crumbed meatball, battling it out for the Visitor’s Choice vote.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was very exciting to be holding this festival in honour of this much-revered, unique Hastings treat.
“This is a first for Aotearoa New Zealand – a festival dedicated to our love of a perfect meatball.
“I remember watching my father making them at our family's Warren's Bakery, and my cousin Malcolm who took over the bakery made the best meatballs in town.
“For many people who leave the district, one of the first things they do on a visit home is to grab a meatball, it brings up good memories and connects them with their past.
“At this festival, we will be showcasing this popular treat, along with other takes on meatballs presented by local eateries and their talented chefs.”
Starting at 5.30pm in the Hastings City Centre on March 14, the free walk-up festival will run until 8.30pm, giving visitors a chance to sample a range of meatballs; whether smothered in sauce, spicy, plump, porky, classic or crumbed in a bag.
There will also be live music, beverage pop-ups, games, and an atmosphere buzzing with energy.
Find out more about this and other F.A.W.C! events at www.fawc.co.nz
29 January 2025
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