Susanna Freymark
The Casino Lions Farmers Market celebrates its third anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, September 21.
Here’s a story about when the markets celebrated its first year.
Every Saturday morning at 8am–11am at Crawford Square Park in South Casino, local stallholders set up shop and if you haven’t been before, you’ll be surprised at what you can buy.
There is fresh veg, greens, in-season fruit, sauces, mushrooms, cordials, herbs, olives bread, biscuits, honey, gluten free desserts and much more.
On the non-food side there are usually plants for sale, flowers, jewellery, funky ornaments, handmade soaps and more.
The coffee cart pumps out cups of latte and cappuccino and hot dumplings.
If you’ve never been before here are the three reasons I go:
#1 The Alfahores
The what? I hear you say. These biscuits are Argentinian and are made by Rosie and Dom from Mongogarie Olives. They do canoli, olive bread and sell jars of their olives.
But it is Rosie, I believe, who makes the alfahores from scratch. The soft biscuit is filled with a caramel surprise. The alfahore costs $5 and you can take it to one of the tables with a coffee and listen to the live music while you eat the dessert delight. The biscuit is a soft, melt in your mouth moment. I try to savour each bite. The alfahore is unexpected and delightful. It’s difficult to stop at one.
#2 The Stories and the Vibe
Yes I love the fresh food and the stories behind how the produce is grown. It is easier to appreciate the food when you know who grew it, what season is best and of course, any cooking tips you can pick up from stallholders.
The capsicums are bright red, the corn is crunchy and the greens are so fresh, I swear they are still growing as I drive home.
This is food that is healthy, unprocessed and each producer cares about what they sell. Peta grows macadamia nuts on the Hogarth Range. Southview Orchard sells peaches (when in season) and in between produce plenty of other vegetables. If you’re into reducing the food miles of what you eat, then the farmers market is a winner.
If you want to know the process to picking olives and making olive oil, ask Mongogarie Olives. That’s the thing about farmers markets – the growers care about their produce and care about you.
It isn’t just about making money. It’s about good food and connecting with the community. People hang out at the market, they’re not in a rush and the vibe is chilled. It is such a relaxing and friendly way to shop.
# The Bacon and Egg Roll
Casino Lions Club members cook up a super bacon and egg roll and use a soft bun. It’s cheap and tasty. And buying from the Lions Club stall means your money is going to good causes in the community. They do sausages too. I know you can have a bacon and egg roll in many places on a Saturday morning at Casino, but here at Crawford Square, it is relaxing for the reasons mentioned above.
There are a few surprises this Saturday to celebrate three years of the market
Casino Rural Fire Brigade will be there with information about fire season.
Children can play with hoses and the RFS will be giving away some bags and hats for kids.
For more information go to the Casino Lions Farmers Market Facebook page.
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