Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
THE Vumba will come alive this Saturday as the annual Vumba Fair returns to the iconic Tony’s Coffee Shop, bringing together tourism, culture, creativity and conservation in a celebration of one of Manicaland’s most distinctive destinations.
Organised by the Friends of the Vumba (FOTV), the fair has grown into an important fixture on the local tourism calendar, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the Vumba beyond its spectacular mountain scenery, while supporting communities and conservation initiatives in the area.
Set against the lush backdrop of the Eastern Highlands, the fair will showcase a diverse range of crafts, art, fresh produce, plants, food, drinks and jewellery, alongside live music, dance and entertainment for the whole family.
Tony’s Coffee Shop, renowned for its coffee and cakes, will once again provide the home and heart of the event, adding the distinctive hospitality and relaxed atmosphere for which the Vumba is known.
This year’s edition is also placing a stronger spotlight on the environment through a partnership between Friends of the Vumba and Mutare Tales, under the theme: ‘Let’s Go Green Creatively.’
The initiative brings together tourism and environmental awareness in a way that demonstrates how conservation can be incorporated into community events, enterprise and creative expression.
The entertainment programme is expected to add further vibrancy to the day, with performances from acclaimed local Afro-fusion artiste, Tawanda Chari better known as Wacharie, El Son Indio, Simba, Massey and Cyber Kings and Queen, while visitors will also be treated to activities including pony rides, face painting and storytelling for children.
The fair will also feature competitions designed to encourage creativity and environmentally conscious participation, including prizes for the best hat created around the green theme, the most environmentally friendly stand and the best innovative product.
Chairperson of the Friends of the Vumba, Ms Sue Fenwick, said the organisers are looking forward to another successful edition, with the fair once again attracting a strong mix of exhibitors and visitors.
“The fair is almost fully subscribed with exhibitors, and as always, there will be lots of fun, activities and entertainment.
‘‘It is a tradition that continues to grow each year,” she said.
The event is more than a day of entertainment, however. At its heart is the continued effort to protect the natural environment that forms the foundation of Vumba’s tourism appeal.
The Friends of the Vumba Trust works with communities and conservation partners to safeguard the area’s biodiversity, with its activities including patrols against poaching and illegal logging, environmental education, fire protection, clean-up campaigns and other initiatives aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Vumba.
The fair therefore provides an important link between tourism and conservation. By bringing visitors into the Vumba and creating a platform for local producers, artists, businesses and tourism operators, it helps demonstrate the economic value of protecting the destination’s natural and cultural assets.
With tickets priced at US$5 for adults, US$2 for children and US$3 for pensioners, the fair is designed to be accessible to families and visitors of all ages.
