This weekend sees a fresh produce, cheese and artisan bread, chocolate fudge and herb plants bonanza, with the second I Choose SA Farmer’s Market weekend.
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 of February sees Brand South Australia getting behind our local makers and growers and highlighting the importance of choosing local produce. Believe me, we are the winners in this!
It is well documented the world over, that South Australian produce is amongst the best you can get, and its all available on our doorstop, weather we live in the suburbs or a rural town. There are 11 markets participating in this weekends event, so find your local, or plan a day trip, and stock up on all the yummy and delicious fare that farmer’s markets offer.
In addition to filling your baskets with goodies, there are numerous cooking demonstrations by local legends including:
- Simon Bryant at both the Adelaide Showgrounds, and Willunga Farmers’ Markets
- Silvia Hart (Seasonal Garden Café) at the Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market
- Bree May (Food According to Bree) at the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market
- Dan Armon (Victor Hotel) at the Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market
There is plenty to keep the kids entertained as well, such as the Willunga Farmers’ Market celebrating their 16th Birthday with games, activities, henna tattoos and face painting, Market Trivia Quizes where kids will have the chance to navigate through the participating retailers to learn all about the local produce that is picked, packed and sold at the market stall, and various petting zoos, face painters, and games at some of the markets.
Here is the list of all 11 Farmer’s Markets taking part in this weekend’s I Choose SA Farmer’s Market weekend…
SATURDAY MARKETS
Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market
www.ahfm.org.au
WHERE: 23 Mann Street, Mt Barker
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8.30am–12.30pm
The Hills market will feature a cooking demonstration by Season Garden Café owner Silvia Hart from 10.30–11.30am.
An animal nursery will entertain kids from 9.30am–12.30pm, while face painting and live music will also unfold.
Barossa Farmers’ Market
www.barossafarmersmarket.com
WHERE: Cnr Nuriootpa and Stockwell Roads, Angaston
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 7.30–11.30am
From jams to award-winning cream, dried fruit, fresh veggies, olive oil and dukkah, this market features the best of the Barossa (and was named 9th best in Australia in 2015 by the Australian Traveller magazine).
Aside from the usual offerings, the Barossa Farmers’ Market will this weekend feature a scavenger hunt and hide and seek games to keep kids entertained.
Riverland Farmers’ Market
www.riverlandfarmersmarket.org.au
WHERE: Berri Senior Citizens’ Hall, Crawford Terrace, Berri
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 7.30–11.30am
This Riverland gem is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors as the brekky bar offers a range of local food choices, freshly squeezed orange juice and, of course, locally roasted coffee.
Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market
www.mpfm.org.au
WHERE: Mt Pleasant Showgrounds, Melrose Street, Mt Pleasant
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–noon
2014 My Kitchen Rules winner Bree May, now behind ‘Food According to Bree’, – will host a cooking demonstration from 9.30am. The first 20 people to grab a seat will receive a free goodie bag!
This under-cover market features quality produce from the southern Barossa and Adelaide Hills and will also feature an SA Food Trail.
Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market
www.victorharborfarmersmarket.com.au
WHERE: Grosvenor Gardens, Torrens Street, Victor Harbor
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–12.30pm
This is the place to embrace and support Fleurieu producers. From home-style baked treats to boxes of stone fruits, hand crafted choccies, and wild caught seafood – the Victor Harbor market is a seaside treat.
Also, don’t miss Victor Hotel’s Dan Armon’s cooking demonstration!
Willunga Farmers’ Market
www.willungafarmersmarket.com.au
WHERE: Willunga Town Square, Main Road, Willunga
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–12.30pm
Celebrity chef Simon Bryant will delight the audience’s senses with a cooking demonstration from 10.30am.
This weekend the market is also celebrating its 16th birthday with games and activities for the kids as well as henna tattoos and face painting. Grab a coffee, have a graze, and stock up for the week ahead.
Mt Gambier Farmers’ Market
facebook.com/Mount-Gambier-Farmers-Market
WHERE: Watson Terrace, Mt Gambier
WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 9am–noon
You can’t go past the Limestone Larder Pies, Kalangadoo Organic juices or the Pine Ridge Honey, just to name a few. Nor can you go past produce picked just the day before the market.
Kids will be entertained and educated about life on an Aussie farm through a performance by George the Farmer.
SUNDAY MARKETS
Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market
www.adelaidefarmersmarket.com.au
WHERE: Leader Street, Wayville
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 8am–noon
This market was named the nation’s best farmers’ market in 2015 by the Australian Traveller magazine, so it’s one definitely worth a stop. Buskers, live music and kids games will also add to the atmosphere, but best to get in early as the market usually attracts about 6000 people!
This Sunday Celebrity chef Simon Bryant will host a cooking demonstration from 11am.
Kingscote Farmers’ Market
www.facebook.com/kingscotefarmersmarket
WHERE: Bay of Shoals Winery, Kangaroo Island
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 10am–2pm
Islander Bridgette Bruce from Flavours of Petite Provence will cook up a storm in her market to plate cooking demonstration.
Located at the scenic Bay of Shoals Winery, this market is one for having a cuppa, grabbing some food, having a browse and making a morning of it.
Cittaslow Goolwa Farmers’ Market
www.facebook.com/Goolwa-Cittaslow-Farmers-Market-533371523540285/
WHERE: Jeralde Park, Goolwa Wharf Precinct
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 9am–1pm
Teams will put their Webers (and other smoking equipment) to the test this Sunday for the annual Cittaslow Smoke Off. From ham to fish, beef and chicken, cooks will smoke all kinds of fare in hope of being crowned the best.
A smoked meat demonstration will also show market goers how it’s done.
Wirrabara Producers’ Market
www.facebook.com/wirrabaraproducersmarket
WHERE: High Street, Wirrabara
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 8.30am–noon
The Mid North is not exempt from farmers’ market frivolities – the Southern Flinders Ranges town of Wirrabara is a foodie’s haven. Whether it’s homegrown, handmade or home-cooked – you’ll find something to fill your tote bag.
Check out local craft stalls, taste a drip of local honey or simply watch the crowd go by in the sunshine.
Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our State by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.
