By Vivienne Pearson
It seems that good things come in threes for the Byron Farmers Market.
Of the three, the most prestigious is being shortlisted for an award for the country’s best farmers market. Run by Delicious magazine and judged by household names such as Maggie Beer, Christine Manfield and Shannon Bennett, the awards credit markets that hold to the principle of true authenticity – that is, farmers and food producers offering predominantly fresh foods at a focal community location. Of the 60 stallholders at Byron, 90 per cent are run by the farmer directly.
‘It’s great recognition for the all the hard work our local farmers and producers put in each week,’ says market president Frank Boyle. Byron is one of three markets shortlisted (the others being the Margaret River and Adelaide Showground farmers markets) with the winner to be announced in just under three weeks, on September 12.
The second good thing is more of a background issue but one of vital importance to the sustainability of the market. A further five-year licence has been granted to Byron Farmers Market Inc (the organisation that runs both the Byron and Bangalow farmers markets) by Byron Shire Council to run the Byron Farmers Market in Byron at the Butler Street Reserve location.
Byron Farmers Market is the original famers market in the area, which has already been in operation for three times that long.
The third, and most visible, good thing is the market’s new furniture – tables, tents and stools. These three additions will add a trifecta of colour, comfort and creativity to the weekly market. The tables were painted by local designer and street artist, the NITSUA Project.
Regular shoppers, visitors to the area, and occasional locals will all appreciate the encouragement to combine shopping with coffee or brunch, as well as some protection from the elements.
Let’s all count down, 3…2…1…, to give three cheers for the Byron Farmers Market!
Byron Farmers Market runs every Thursday 8–11am at the Butler Street Reserve.
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