Capital Region Farmers Market celebrates 20 years in 2024. That’s 20 years supporting farmers, makers, growers and producers of the Canberra Region. That’s 20 years providing Canberrans and their families with the best and freshest produce each weekend. And that’s 20 years supporting worthy community projects via the Market Founders, Rotary Club of Hall.
The Market’s official celebrations will take place this Saturday, 16 March at Exhibition Park in Canberra, with locals invited along to enjoy what will be a fun day out for all the family.
Canberrans from all over town have been busily baking birthday cakes to commemorate the occasion, all themed around fresh produce, farmers and the community.
“We can’t wait to see what the talented cake makers of the Canberra region can bring to the table by way of celebratory cakes to mark our 20 years,” said Capital Region Farmers Market Manager, Sarah Power.
Visitors to Market are invited to see the 20th Birthday Cake competition judging at 10am and can help decide who will win via the Shoppers’ Choice award. Other family-friendly activities planned at Market include face painting and colouring-in, exclusive birthday treats and giveaways from the many talented makers, plus exclusive 20th birthday merchandise.
There will be entertainment including local performers and musicians. Enjoy performances by dancers from Folk Dance Canberra, and revel in the music by Manchild and The Blues Kids, winners of the 2023 Australian Busking Championships.
The Market is also awarding a lucky door prize, with one visitor taking home a massive hamper of stallholder products. And of course, there will be over 100 stallholders providing fresh Autumn produce galore, including plenty of freshly baked hot cross buns for Easter, and seasonal produce including pumpkins, apples and potatoes.
“Whilst we know it’s going to be a really enjoyable day for all visitors to come and celebrate with us, it’s also a time that we will be marking all the ways that our founders, Rotary Club of Hall, have assisted communities over the past 20 years,” Sarah said.
Over the past 20 years in operation, Market stallholder fees have been put back into local, regional, national and international projects determined by Rotary Club of Hall, with close to $4 million in funding provided since 2004.
One of the ways the Market has assisted communities includes mulch. The Market has supported the project over a number of years by purchasing equipment and other needs for this outstanding permaculture gardening project for people with disabilities. mulch is a social enterprise enabling young adults with a disability to develop skills and build community connections through work in the horticultural enterprise.
Still close to home, the Market funded shed construction for the Wallaroo Fire Brigade. Rural Fire Brigades are often more than just an emergency service. They can also be a vital community service, provide a community meeting point or offer assistance with non-emergency roles. They are particularly important to fire-prone regions and the farmers and growers from these areas.
“We have also provided targeted help to individuals in need over the years, including refugees from several nations. Rotary’s support assists with funds for rent and materials, vehicles and other essentials for starting a new life in Australia after a disaster,” said Sarah.
“We hope the Canberra community realises that each time they shop with us at Market, they’re supporting far bigger causes. We appreciate all the support and welcome everyone to celebrate with us on 16 March,” concluded Sarah.
Capital Region Farmers Market 20th Birthday celebrations will take place Saturday 16 March 2024, 7am – 11.30am at Exhibition Park in Canberra. For more information, visit www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
- T: 0400 852 227 (Market Manager)
- E: [email protected]
- W: www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
