WALCHA’S first Farmers’ Market was a huge success recently, attracting well over 500 people from near and far to check out the great variety of produce and food stalls, and action in the park.
Rowan Tihema of NERAM Harvest Restaurant in Armidale officially opened the markets, along with Walcha mayor Janelle Archdale.
The ‘Understanding Soil Structure’ workshop conducted by Little Ladybird Nursery in Uralla was very popular with the gardeners, later followed by a ‘Paella’ cooking demonstration by Armidale Ultimate BBQ. Many gathered with mouths watering awaiting their sea or land inspired Paella dish.
Children galore enjoyed the face painting and jumping castle, and the local schools and preschool participated in the farmers’ market colouring-in competition, which were on display at the market. The crowd was entertained by Michael Luchich on the guitar and The Merimbas of Woollbrook School.
“The feedback from stallholders was very positive, one commenting that the market was of the same calibre, if not better, than some Sydney markets.” co-president Olivia Nivison said.
“The stallholders made great sales with many selling out before the market concluded.” Olivia said.
Among the wide variety of produce at the markets was wine, trout, honey, breads, pastries and baked goods, spices and sauces, meats, olive oil, goats milk products, organic herb by-products, plants and flowers, old-fashioned home-made lemonade and milkshakes, gourmet breakfast and lunches, and a range of fresh produce and beautiful home-made products on the community stall.
“The community stall is a great way for those within the community to sell and showcase their home-made produce and surplus fruit and vegetables,” co-president Paula Jenkins said.
“I would like to thank those who supplied produce for the community stall. The quality and presentation was excellent and there was a great variety.”
A huge thank you goes to Felicity Hurt for her professional photography on the day and Jordie Brazel of Beatrice Designs for her very creative decorations and displays for the committee operated stalls. The committee would also like to thank their very generous sponsors, and businesses who donated fantastic raffle and competition prizes for the day. Their support has been greatly appreciated.
Walcha Farmers’ Markets will be held at McHattan Park the third Saturday of each month, from 8.30am to 12.30pm, adjacent to the Visitor Centre. The next market will be held Saturday 19 October.
