Harvest of fine fares at Lardner Park
Boutique farming and produce in Gippsland was showcased during the inaugural Harvest Fest event at Lardner Park on November 9 to 11.
Harvest fest event manager Susie Filleti said the event featured food courts with an array of cuisines, snacks and brews; a farmers’ market of pickles, preserves, condiments and accompaniments; demonstrations from the Harvest Fest Kitchen with local chefs and providers; a learning series of lectures; craft and handmade goods; live entertainment, kids entertainment and more.
“This event targeted small to medium scale farmers and producers in a super contemporary and exciting lifestyle festival – which offers something different than the typical farming and agricultural events,” she said.
“Attendance was not as high as we were targeting but certainly solid enough to continue to build upon for the coming years ahead and we’re really pleased with the several thousand attendance that came from Melbourne and Melbourne suburbs, so we definitely see an exciting growth path ahead for this Gippsland event.
“The weather was beautiful, and the event layout was designed to allow people to wander with freedom and space in a relaxed and informal manner with offerings for families, children and single adults looking for a fun and interesting day out in the country.
“Gippsland’s agribusiness sector is a significant employer in the region, with more than a third of business involving agricul- ture and fishing; 6500 farming families; and producing almost half of the State’s food and fibre production.”
Ms. Filleti said Lardner Park and McPherson Media Group were excited the launch of the inaugural event was now delivered and firmly believe the foundations are in place for growing and expanding Harvest Fest to be one of the leading and most exciting new events for Gippsland moving forwards.
“Whether patrons were seeking a weekend of food and specialty brews, or a backyard, hobby or treechange farmer looking to learn about industry innovation from producers themselves, or a lover of totally different activations such as jousting – the broadranging event appealed to all.”