Once upon a time, there was a small town that was struggling to raise funds for a local charity. The town had tried everything from bake sales to car washes, but nothing seemed to work. That is until a group of young and adventurous locals came up with an idea – an epic round table tube race.
The spirit of Sabie can only be captured by walking the winding magical bamboo forest, climbing to the summit of the mystic mountain, wandering through the pine forests, and traversing the abandoned train tracks.
Once a year, the people of the nearby towns would gather at the base of the Mystic Mountain, for the annual Round Table Tube Race. This was a tradition that had been passed down for generations and held a deep significance for the community.
As the sun rose on the day of the festival, the townsfolk began their adventure which led to the foot of the mountain. The air was filled with excitement, as people chattered and laughed with one another, their voices echoing off the surrounding cliffs.
As the festival grew in popularity over the years, more and more people began to camp at the base of the Mystic Mountain. Tents dotted the landscape, and the sound of laughter and music filled the air.
As the cool Friday night fell, live bands took to the stage, their music echoing off the mountain walls. The people gathered around the tent, dancing and singing together, their voices blending into a joyful chorus.
The music was a mixture of upbeat tunes and modern rhythms, each band bringing their own unique style and energy to the festival. Some played haunting melodies, while others brought the crowd to their feet with lively, upbeat tunes.
The next morning it was time for the Tube Race – The race would take place on the town’s river, which was known for its wild rapids and swirling eddies. The goal was to have people compete against each other in a race down the river, while sitting on a round inflatable tube, like a giant doughnut.
As the race began, the teams quickly realized that the river was much more challenging than they had anticipated. The rapids were stronger, and the currents were more powerful. The teams had to work together to navigate the twists and turns, and some even had to use their hands to paddle.
On the warm Saturday evening, and the small town was bustling with excitement as people prepared for the music festival. The festival was held in a large Marquee tent, which had been amplified by a vibrant and colorful stage, surrounded by food trucks and vendors selling all kinds of treats.
As the sun began to set, the first band took to the stage, and the crowd erupted into cheers. The music was a mix of rock and folk, and it echoed through the mountains as people danced and sang along.
As the night went on, more bands took to the stage, and the music got louder and more energetic. The tent was now packed with people, and the smell of delicious food filled the air.
Children ran around, their faces painted with bright colors, while adults sat on blankets, enjoying the music and the warm summer breeze. Friends caught up with each other, sharing stories and laughter, and strangers bonded over their shared love of music.
As the final band began to play, the tent was alive with energy. The band was a proudly South African group that had been practicing for weeks, and they brought the crowd to their feet with their high-energy performance.
The festival came to a close, and the crowd slowly dispersed, but the energy lingered in the air. People chatted and hugged, reluctant to let the night end. The festival had brought thousands together, and it was a night that no one would forget.
People started making their way home, the sound of the music still echoed in their ears, and the memories of the festival lingered in their hearts. It was a night of community, music, and celebration, and it had brought the people closer together. The next year’s festival was already being planned, and everyone was already looking forward to another night of music, food, and good times.
The round table tube race had become a huge success, and the town had raised more money than it ever had before. Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s race, and the local charity are thrilled with the support they will receive.
From that day on, the round table tube race became an annual tradition, and it brought the community together for a day of fun and fundraising. It was an epic event that no one would ever forget.
Round Table Gauteng attended the Tube race this year again not only to help, but support the project and partake in the festivities, here once a year we get to meet with old friends, celebrate and drive impactful change in the Sabie / White River Communities.
As the people dispersed, they knew that they had been changed by the festival, that they had been touched by the power and mystique of the mountain. And they knew that they would return the following year, to share more stories, to connect with each other, and to once again feel the magic of the Round Table Tube Race at the feet of the Mystic Mountain.
Through it all, the Round Table stood in the center of the festival, a silent witness to the magic of the night. As the music faded and the last embers of the hopeful souls died out, to return again next year.