20 Years of Capital Region Farmers Market. Photo: CRFM.
The Canberra Region Farmers Market is celebrating their 20th birthday in March with a jam-packed market day of produce-filled celebrations, fresh fruit and vegetables, and a very special cake-baking competition that’s sure to get the creative juices flowing!
The Canberra Region Farmers Market (CRFM) is run by the Rotary Club of Hall. They first launched in 2004 at EPIC, and Market Manager Sarah Powell explained that the markets were established to provide more opportunities for local growers to sell directly to the public.
“There were three members of the Rotary Club of Hall who were also small producers in the area. They saw a need for a marketplace for those smaller sellers who aren’t big enough to sell wholesale into the supermarkets but wanted somewhere to sell to customers and make a living,” Sarah told Region.
The first market started with just 15 stalls and around 500 customers. Now, the CRFM attracts around 6000 visitors weekly and boasts over 200 registered stallholders ranging from fresh produce to pet food, cut flowers, ready-to-eat meals, cheese, wine, meats and more!
Early days of CRFM. Photo: CRFM.
On 16 March, there will be face painting and entertainment for kids, as well as awards and celebrations for some of the long-term stallholders who have been part of the market journey for the full 20 years.
“I think what makes this market so special is the community: it’s about customers meeting the producers and talking to them directly,” Sarah said.
“I’ve had people tell me that they’ve been coming since the early days and their kids have grown up with the families who sell at the market.”
Local musicians and performers will be scattered around the market, and many stallholders will create special birthday products for the day. There will also be exclusive 20th birthday merchandise, like shopping bags to colour in!
Market Manager Sarah Powell: “What makes this market so special is the community.” Photo: CRFM.
No birthday would be complete without a cake, and the markets have put the call out to the public to enter their best creation themed around 20 years of Capital Region Farmers Market. Apart from the theme, there are no limits on creativity! Contestants might enter a cake that looks like the market, or a cornucopia of vegetables, or perhaps a farmer in their field. There are two categories: one for adults and one for under 14s. The winners will receive vouchers that can be spent at any stall in the market.
“We wanted to involve our community and allow them to celebrate alongside the stallholders. So we’ve got the cake competition!”
The cakes’ appearance will be appraised by three VIP judges drawn from a pool of Rotary Club grant beneficiaries who will also be attending the market that day.
Entries are strictly limited; visit the Capital Region Farmers Market website for more information. Follow CRFM on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with their birthday activities.
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