“It’s all about what grows in Braidwood,” Brian Carle, the coordinator of the Braidwood Farmers’ Market said at the milestone 100 th market, held on Saturday. Heading into its sixth year since its modest beginning in November 2013, Carle says the market has now matured. “To be able to continue to offer something –Braidwood has created that,” he said.
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When it began in 2013 there was some scepticism that it would survive, with previous attempts at establishing a regular market having failed, but the Braidwood Farmers’ Market is now the second oldest farmers’ market structure in the region.
The 100 th Market drew its usual enthusiastic crowd of patrons for what was a festive atmosphere despite the cold and blustery conditions outside.
Sarah and Wayne Merriman have been selling their Hazelwood property produce from the market’s outset. Sarah said that when they first started attending they had a small stall and just sold lettuces and a few other things. Their stall now has an extensive range of fresh produce which included on Saturday, berry slice andapple cake made with their own berries and apples.
Emil Horapic from Batemans Bay has been selling his fresh seafood since the very first market. Sometimes his wife comes and sometimes he does, but they haven’t missed a market since 2013.
Relative newcomers to the market, Jill and Michael Bynon from Corang Estate wines at Nerriga, have been bringing their local wines to the market since January this year. They’re very pleased with the response and are now regulars.
Brian Carle believes that part of the success of the market is the simple structure. “These are growers and sellers,” he said, “they don’t want to be bothered with a complex organisation, they just want to be able to bring their produce and sell it.”
As for the customers, they come for the food and to support local growers and the local economy.
Customers at the 100 th Market who spent more than $20 at any stall received a ticket in a $100 draw, sponsored by the Braidwood Community Bank.