Fresh produce from the farms of Ipswich and surrounds will be available to go direct to the tables of local households as the new Country Fair and Produce Markets come to Nicholas Street Precinct.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the first monthly Country Fair and Produce Markets would be held on Sunday, 18 October.
“Nicholas Street Precinct will be Ipswich’s gateway to the food bowls of South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Country Fair and Produce Markets will bring together about 30 producers for an authentic farm-to-market experience in our vibrant city heart, giving residents and visitors access to high-quality local produce.
“Fruit, vegetables, meat products, honey, specialty sauces, preserves, gourmet pantry items, baked goods, chocolates and small-batch beverages will be among the delicious offerings.
“As our city’s primary gathering space and a hub for dining and entertainment, Nicholas Street Precinct will be a destination for lovers of amazing fresh produce.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Country Fair and Produce Markets will be a great choice for Ipswich locals and visitors looking for a Sunday outing, with live music, dancing and roaming entertainment also featuring at the markets.
“The Country Fair and Produce Markets are a wonderful opportunity for our residents and visitors to come together in support of local growers, producers and artisans in a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of our city,” Cr Doyle said.
“People simply love connecting with the community in Nicholas Street Precinct, whether it’s St Nicholas Precinct over Christmas, SPARK Ipswich, school holiday activations such as the recent Safari in the City, NAIDOC Family and Cultural Celebration, Supercars Fanfare, Ipswich Plant and Lifestyle Fair, and much more.”
Market coordinator and farmer Kate Creasey said the Country Fair and Produce Markets would provide an opportunity for producers from the region to take their products directly to market.
“As both a market organiser and a farmer, it is incredibly important to me to create opportunities that connect the country directly with the city,” Ms Creasey said.
“Bringing country markets into Ipswich gives local farmers and producers the chance to meet the people buying their products, share the stories behind what they grow and make, and build genuine, lasting relationships with customers.
“By selling directly to the consumer, more of every dollar spent goes back to the farmer and their family. This helps support regional livelihoods, strengthens small agricultural businesses and gives city residents access to fresh, locally produced goods while better understanding where their food comes from.
“These markets are about more than simply selling products. They bring the country and city together, celebrating South East Queensland’s farming community and help ensure our local producers are seen, valued and supported.
The Country Fair and Produce Markets will be held from 10am to 2pm at Nicholas Street Precinct on Sunday, 18 October.
Producers can enquire about a stall by contacting [email protected]
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