MORE than a thousand salami lovers converged on Euston to mark the return of the Great Murray River Salami Festival, which resumed after a three-year absence.
People took time out of flood preparations to mark the third running of the festival, which this year moved to Euston Recreation Reserve due to the rising Murray River.
Australian culinary icon Maggie Beer was part of a 10-person panel to judge the 57 entries vying for the $2000 first prize for Best Salami.
Euston resident Brad Hocking’s salami was awarded the honour.
Mario Chirchiglia, also from Euston, claimed the Saskia Beer Memorial Trophy and $1500 for coming second.
Festival organiser Guy Fielding said this year’s festival, which included other entertainment, was one of the biggest.
“It was the biggest festival we’ve held as far as all the food and drink stalls, the kids’ entertainment,” Mr Fielding said.
He said the crowd of between 1500 and 2000 was the biggest and it was “fantastic” to have Maggie Beer judge and attend the festival.
