IN PHOTOS: Lowvelders in high spirits during ‘lager’ than life pub crawl

On Saturday October 29, Lowvelder hosted people from across Mpumalanga in an exuberant citywide pub crawl at seven of Mbombela’s best-loved and most-frequented watering holes and clubs.

The day has been described as one of the best events of the year and a big win for the best city in South Africa, as locals and visitors from far and wide enjoyed an afternoon of true Lowveld hospitality and community togetherness.

By midday on Saturday, hundreds of party people from all walks of life hopped onto Citybug buses and started the day’s revelries. Many opted to go on their own steam and in no particular order, but all seven pubs had to be visited in order to qualify for the evening’s prize-giving.

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Participating pubs were Marlin Pub and Grill, The Pub, Oppie Hoek, Bush Baby, Koedoeskraal, Vintage Lapa and Mustangs, where the prize-giving was hosted. All reported a trouble-free afternoon of fun, laughter, dancing and bumper business trade.

A local businesswoman, Yolanda Louw, said, “The Citybug ferrying service was the best idea ever. I laughed so hard all day long. I had the time of my life.”

Carmen Naudé of Marlin said, “Well done to all our participating pubs and their teams. The feedback we’ve received has been fantastic. Our guests really enjoyed their day, so thank you to Lowvelder for an awesome event.”

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Praise came from beyond our shores as well. Kerrie Borries, visiting from London, said, “I’ve been touring South Africa for the last three months and Mbombela is by far the warmest, kindest and most fun city in your country. I’ve had a total blast today.”

A special thanks go to the event’s numerous sponsors: Citybug for the transport, to all the pubs for the vouchers, as well as Vichy Spa, Orange Restaurant, Pumbaa Wildlife Park and Accommodation and JEV Petroleum for vouchers. Special thanks also goes to Mustangs for the final prize-giving venue, Buffelsfontein Brandy for the map, Marius de Beer and Bonita Henrico, Coca-Cola, and Casey Schaefer of Distell for the hampers.

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The winners were announced at Mustangs and received an array of prizes:
• Best-dressed group – The Inmates
• Group with the best spirit – The M & Ms
• Best-dressed couple – The Mario Brothers
• Couple with the best spirit – Braai Proppe
• Best dedicated driver – Edgar le Roux of Citybug.

Rounding off the day’s tipsy celebrations, Lowvelder’s editor, Stefan de Villiers, said, “On behalf of all organisers, we’d like to thank the pub crawlers who turned up in their hundreds to support the event. We hope you enjoyed the experience and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”