22 June 2024

Celebrate a decade of The Forage with food, fun and fire!

| Lucy Ridge
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Two people in Forage branded jumpers with a fire twirler in the background.

Founders Belinda Neame and Tim Bean say to expect fire twirlers like Guy Alias (centre back) and more at The Forage. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

The Forage returns this weekend for a feast of local food! This event marks 10 years of the festival, and will be held on the Acton Waterfront.

The first Forage event started with a mere 14 vendors, but has now expanded to include more than 40 stalls from local restaurants, distillers, wineries, food trucks and more.

“We are thrilled and humbled to be celebrating the 10th birthday of The Forage,” said festival founder Belinda Neame.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen the event grow and evolve, but our commitment to showcasing the best of Canberra’s street food and artists has remained at the heart of what we do. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with food-lovers from near and far.”

Boat arriving on the lake.

Arrive in style at The Forage on a Love Boat. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

In addition to food and beverages, the festival will also showcase the work of local artists and musicians, with performers playing throughout the day and fire twirlers from Luminary Performances joining the festivities in the evening.

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Parking will not be an issue as the festival has teamed up with local business Love Boats to ferry festival patrons across the lake. The boats will leave every 20 minutes from Queen Elizabeth Terrace (near The Jetty), with no booking required and tickets at only $5 each.

Two bottles of vodka.

Apple Pie Vodka from Flora Distillery will be available exclusively at The Forage. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

The Forage has become well-known for unique collaborations with their stallholders, and this year is no exception. Flora Distillery is launching their exclusive Apple Pie Vodka at the Forage, with $5 from every bottle sold going to raise awareness and funds for Assistance Dogs Australia. After a sneak sip of the limited edition vodka, we can confirm it is absolutely delicious and will make a brilliant warming winter cocktail.

Distillery founder and CEO Ben Osborne explained why this issue is so close to his heart.

“Juniper is my wonderful psychiatric assistance dog and constant companion, helping me navigate life with Bipolar 1 and Complex PTSD,” he said.

“Every assistance dog has a very important job. These amazing dogs help in so many life changing ways.

“We’re so excited to announce our collaboration with The Forage. The Forage and dogs go hand in paw!”

Fire twirler in from of Forage branded sign.

There will be plenty of heaters, fire drums and fire twirling to keep patrons warm, but rug up anyway! Photo: Michelle Kroll.

There will be a prize awarded for the best dressed dog on the day, so get your pooches into their finest glad rags for your chance to win a $200 POP Canberra voucher.

By prioritising local partnerships, The Forage has created important opportunities for Canberra businesses to connect with locals and showcase their products to a wide range of people. Many of the businesses who participate in The Forage return year on year, enjoying the community and success of each event.

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Belinda told Region several stallholders have been involved in the event from the very beginning, including Mr Papa and Sweet Bones Bakery. Other exciting stallholders include OMG Doughnuts – who make gluten-free and vegan doughnuts – and Get Crackin’ Creme Brulee. Local restaurants like Miss Van’s and Au Lac will also have stalls.

Box of empanadas with Mr Papa branding.

Mr Papa’s has been a vendor since the very first Forage 10 years ago. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

To plan ahead, head to the Forage app which contains a list of all stallholders and performers, as well as comprehensive information about transport and parking.

The Forage will be on Saturday 22 June, from noon to 7 pm at Acton Waterfront, 5 Barrine Drive, Acton. Visit The Forage app for a full list of vendors and entertainers or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. Love Boats will be running ferry services every 20 minutes to and from the event, leaving from Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

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