IPSWICH’S city heart is making room for a little country soul, with farmers and food producers preparing to swap the paddock for the precinct at a new monthly market.
The Country Fair and Produce Markets will arrive at Nicholas Street Precinct this Sunday, bringing about 30 producers, plenty of fresh flavours and a good excuse to leave the supermarket trolley parked.
Shoppers can browse fruit, vegetables, meat, honey, specialty sauces and preserves, alongside gourmet pantry items, baked goods, chocolates and small-batch beverages.
With live music, dancing and roaming entertainment also on the menu, the weekly grocery run is set to become a considerably more cheerful affair.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the markets would bring the region’s agricultural bounty into the centre of town.
“Nicholas Street Precinct will be Ipswich’s gateway to the food bowls of South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Country Fair and Produce Markets will bring together about 30 producers for an authentic farm-to-market experience in our vibrant city heart, giving residents and visitors access to high-quality local produce.”
For market coordinator and farmer Kate Creasey, the appeal is as much about the people behind the trestle tables as the produce stacked on top.
“As both a market organiser and a farmer, it is incredibly important to me to create opportunities that connect the country directly with the city,” Ms Creasey said.
“By selling directly to the consumer, more of every dollar spent goes back to the farmer and their family.”
The markets will join a precinct calendar already featuring SPARK Ipswich, Christmas celebrations, school holiday activities and the Ipswich Plant and Lifestyle Fair.
“These markets are about more than simply selling products,” Ms Creasey said.
“They bring the country and city together.”
