The inaugural Pine Creek Country Farmers Markets drew hundreds of people to check out the homemade goodies and taste a vanilla slice or two.
The event was organised by the three local committees in Pine Creek: the Pine Creek Hall and Sports Association, Givelda Rural Fire Brigade and Givelda State School, with a little help from Bundaberg Regional Council.
Givelda State School principal Kathryn Lavender said it was a fantastic turn-out with about 1000 people through the gates enjoying the spring weather and atmosphere.
“It was really, really good – we were surprised actually by the amount of people who came to check it out, there was a lot more than we had expected,” Kathryn said.
Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor attended the market and said it was well organised with a variety of stalls, and it was terrific to see people travel to check them out.
“It was well and-tr ly one of the best community-organised events I have been to in the last 15 years,” Cr Honor said.
Kathryn said the support for the Pine Creek Country Farmers Markets from not just the community in the immediate area but also from people who had travelled was tremendous.
“The hall ladies were able to raise $1500 for their insurance; they did this just by selling donated cakes and Devonshire tea!” she said.
“Our community made this happen by baking goods and giving it to the committee to sell and that’s just wonderful.”
Vanilla Slice wars at Pine Creek Country Farmers Markets
As well as the home-baked goodies, amateur bakers and even some professionals tried their hand at a creating a champion vanilla slice for the Vanilla Slice Wars.
Kathryn said there was about 30 entries in the Vanilla Slice Wars and all of the slices were delicious but there could only be one winner for each category.
“A student from our school won the junior competition and our administration ladies won the adults competition,” Kathryn said, beaming with pride.
She said the third winner was a bakery from Bargara.
Cr Honor was lucky enough to score a seat at the judging table and said he never knew there could be such a variety of taste in each humble little slice.
“There were so many flavours!” Cr Honor said.
“Well done, especially to the children! There were more children who entered than adults – it was just a great event.”
The markets are sure to return
Kathryn said as market goers left, they asked if the Pine Creek Country Farmers Market would become a monthly event.
“It was our first market as a united area and now we hope to hold them every six months or so and the next one we will aim to have in winter so the local growers can contribute with their produce… such as macadamias, bananas, avocadoes lettuce, garlic and lots more,” she said.
“We want to send a huge thank you to the Council for the sponsorship, which made it all possible, and the support from everyone we can’t thank them enough.”
- Earlier report: Pine Creek Country Farmers Markets attract 65 stalls
