Fouriesburg had been crowned the Kwela Kyknet and Rapport 2013 Town of the Year. This came as no surprise as it is one of the smallest towns in the province that offers unique attractive beauty, activities for nature and adventure fanatics. It has a population of more than 19 000 people and acquired 107 761 votes to take the desired award. Votes garnered by Fouriesburg was the highest ever received by any participating town since the contest began 2009. Fouriesburg is a small town situated near the Maluti Mountains in the eastern Free State just 9 km from Lesotho.
The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane would like to congratulate the entire Maluti Drakensburg Route committee and the people of Fouriesburg, everyone who donated, supported, voted and worked so hard to achieve 2013 town of the year award for the province.
Maluti Drakensberg Route (MDR) chairperson Amerintia Human says they're delighted over the win and she is certain the whole region and province as a whole voted for their town. The award that is seen by small towns as an important part to raise their profiles and to showcase themselves to tourists comes with R1 million rand prize money. Human says the prize money will be used to market Fouriesburg and boost tourism and it will greatly benefit businesses as well as helping in job creation. She says the area is renowned for its breath-taking scenery, with towns like Clarens and Marquard having taken top honours in previous years.
Fouriesburg has a rich culture and many stories to tell. A variety of remarkable sites fall
Under the list of attractions, such as Surrender Hill, where approximately four thousand Boer fighters surrendered to the British forces that is located nearby the town.
Over the years the town has held onto their heritage, leaving behind amazing historical buildings and structures for visitors to wonder at. Most visitors enjoy the incredible nature life and spectacular birds that inhabit the area and two popular hiking trails are the Bushman Hiking trail and the Brandwater Hiking trail.
Between the hiking, horse riding, playing golf and rowing, visitors are invited to attend the annual Fouriesburg Asparagus Festival that is held each September. During this festival, the old fashioned town comes alive with music, horse events, beer tents, food stalls, entertainment, fun run and traditional potjiekos competitions. Visiting the town and the festival is an experience that the tourists should not pass up.
The Golden Gate National park is located approximately forty five minutes outside the town and the Meiringskloof Nature Reserve offers visitors great bird watching opportunities.
