WHILE showers yesterday dampened the grounds at the Town Square for the last day of the Tasting Australia festival, the huge turnout over the eight-day food feast has clinched a valuable food deal for South Australia. 
Its success, which co-creative director Paul Henry said attracted tens of thousands of people to more than 200 events, also supported the organisers' decision to stage it annually.
He and co-director Simon Bryant confirmed the celebration of local food is on the calender for   April 30 to   May 7 next year.
The dates ensure it will again culminate on Mother's Day, which festival patron Maggie Beer yesterday described as a significant way to finish "to treat mums to a special food day, but also to show support, encourage and celebrate women in the industry".
Mr Bryant said he was impressed by the willing visitors from interstate and overseas, guests who rounded out the food picture in the Town Square, as well as activities across the state.
He dispelled any concerns about lines and waits for food.
"We need to wait for the good stuff, and pay for it. These things take time and patience," he said.
Ms Beer agreed, describing the festival as important for South Australia, and a time when "we need to continue to support our producers, experience what they have to offer, and to wait for good food".
Pete Little, of the Harvest Kitchen, in the Barossa Valley, cooked up a German hotdog to share with Ms Beer, and praised the organisation.
"We have teamed up in this section with other Barossa producers and it has been so well run. This is also a perfect location," he said of the transformed Victoria Square.Hitaf Rasheed, general manager of Events South Australia, said food and wine was such an important part of SA's story, "and it's for that reason that the South Australian Government has supported the move for Tasting Australia to become annual".