Embarking on a tantalising journey of transformation, the beloved Piggly Wiggly and Pig & Play emerges anew, a phoenix reborn from the embers of a captivating renovation and a rebranding spectacle. Welcome to the grand opening of The Pig Family Bistro, where a feast for the senses awaits, and a new era of indulgence begins. Image: The Pig Family Bistro Facebook Page Meet the owners Natalie Smith moved to Potchefstroom in 2019 and bought the establishment in 2020 - then COVID-19 and lockdown hit, but that didn’t get her down. Fast forward a few years to when her path coincidently crossed with that of Louis Taljaard and when she approached him with a business proposition, he jumped at the opportunity. Louis, who brings a ton of experience to the table, now holds the title of co-owner at The Pig Family Bistro and is more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person who likes to make sure that the ship is sailing smoothly. Natalie, on the other hand, is a very ‘above the deck’, hands-on owner and you’ll even spot her taking orders or behind the brand new bar pouring drinks or making cocktails. They have big dreams and even bigger ambitions for this rustic restaurant that provides so much potential. Image: Natalie making drinks at the Cocktail Bar Renovations and revamp “If you look at photos of what this place looked like previously, you wouldn’t believe that it’s the same premises”. Adding to the trampolines and sandpits that were already in the ‘park’, Natalie and Louis have added synthetic grass, playground toys, colourful shading, slip and slides and a brand new splash pool, just to name a few elements. Everything that they’ve added or refurbished is handcrafted and made by either one or both of them and they really do take pride in the blood, sweat and tears that goes into their handiwork.  Image: The upgraded play area Perspective shift For a long time the focus was primarily on children’s parties, but this dynamic duo wanted to change the perception of just that. The bistro will shift the focus more towards adults and families of all ages. The ultimate goal is to have parents enjoy a meal and some beverages while the children are playing in the ‘park’ area of the venue, under child supervision provided by the bistro itself. Although they are still hosting their famous, fabulous parties, they will no longer be known as an exclusive party venue, nor a public park, but a bistro for the whole family.  The public can look forward to enjoying sports matches which will be aired, some live, local entertainment and fun game nights that will be hosted at the bistro. And the best part? The festivities won’t be limited to weekends only, as their doors will now be open from Monday to Sunday.  Image: Hearty breakfasts that will be served at the restaurant What the future holds Although they are quite limited regarding space at the bistro with the amount of ideas they have, this won’t influence their vision as they already have ideas for a new premises. This second establishment will target its own audience and provide a whole different look and feel, and will focus more on students and young adults. #watchthisspace They also want to get involved in community projects again in the new year. “You have to give back to the community”, Natalie said as she talked about the plans they have for contributing towards missionary work both within and outside the African borders.  Image: Provided For now, the main focus is on the Summer Bash which will be held on the 30th of December and promises to be a day filled with great fun! Visitors can expect a variety of vendors and there will also be face painting for the kids, food stalls, live entertainment and childminders - this entire day will be focused on family fun. For more information about this festival or to book a table, visit The Go-To Guy's Events Calendar.(https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/events-potchefstroom-klerksdorp/somers-fees-bythe-pig-family-bistro) This journey has been one of passion, dedication, and creative flair, and now, as they officially throw open their doors, they look forward to welcoming you to a haven where exceptional dining and unforgettable moments await. Cheers to the exciting chapters yet to unfold within the walls of the newly transformed bistro – here's to savouring the extraordinary together! Image: The Cocktail Bar provides a lovely atmosphere If you have any stories you would like to share with us or you would like us to share with the community, get in touch with us: potchgazette@thegotoguy.co.za (mailto:potchgazette@thegotoguy.co.za) Potchefstroom - Johané van Dyk

Image: The Go To Guy Creations December 15, 2023 Greetings, creative families! As we approach the festive season, our third week of holiday crafts takes us on a journey through the vibrant heritage of South Africa. These crafts are not just fun activities; they're a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that makes our country unique. Let's dive into some traditional South African crafts that you can enjoy with your children. Beaded Jewelry - A Colorful Tradition Materials Needed: • Colored beads (preferably in the colors of the South African flag) • Elastic thread or thin wire • Scissors • Needle (for threading, if needed) Instructions: • Design Planning: Choose a pattern or design. You can incorporate colors of the South African flag or create your own pattern. • Threading Beads: Thread the beads onto the elastic or wire. Children can create patterns or random designs. • Finishing: Tie off the ends securely once the desired length is reached. • Wearing with Pride: Encourage your children to wear or gift their handmade jewelry. Teaching Moment: Discuss the significance of beadwork in various South African cultures and how it's used in traditional attire. Image: The Go To Guy Creations African Mask Making - A Glimpse into Ancestral Art Materials Needed: • Cardboard or thick paper • Paint (various colors) • Decorative items (feathers, beads) • Glue • Elastic bands (for wearing) Instructions: • Mask Shaping: Cut the cardboard into a mask shape. Add eye holes. • Decorating: Paint the masks with vibrant colors. Add decorative items like feathers or beads for an authentic look. • Wearing the Masks: Attach elastic bands for kids to wear their masks. • Understanding the Culture: Educate your kids on the significance of masks in African cultures and how they're used in ceremonies and storytelling. Image: The Go To Guy Creations Ndebele-inspired House Models - A Tribute to Geometric Beauty Materials Needed: • Small cardboard boxes (for the house structure) • Paint (bright colors) • Markers or colored pens • Glue Instructions: • Building the House: Use the boxes to create a basic house shape. • Decorating: Paint the houses in bright colors typical of Ndebele art. Use markers or pens to add intricate geometric patterns. • Displaying: Showcase these mini Ndebele houses as a colorful tribute to this unique South African art form. Creative Tip: Research Ndebele patterns with your children to inspire their designs and teach them about this artistic tradition. Image: The Go To Guy Creations Conclusion As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, these crafts offer a meaningful way to connect with and honor our South African heritage. Through these activities, children not only explore their creativity but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich our country. We hope you have enjoyed this creative journey through traditional South African crafts. May your festive season be filled with joy, creativity, and cultural appreciation. This concludes our holiday craft series. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and creativity! Looking forward to more crafting adventures in the future! To view more Learning and Development oppurtunities in Potchefstroom, simply click on the link below: Learn, Improve, Develop(https://www.thegotoguy.co.za/learn-improve-develop) #ThrGoToGuy #artsandcrafts