So popular is the Springwood Growers Market that even a young steer couldn’t resist the smells and sounds at their April event at the Hub earlier this year.
The runaway steer visited while stallholders were setting up, with police rounding it up and returning it to its home paddock in nearby David Road.
“I’d never seen so many police in Springwood,” said Growers Market manager Nicole Riley. “They asked if it belonged to us, but we said we don’t have livestock here,” Mrs Riley laughed.
The market is celebrating its second anniversary by giving away 100 free mugs at their coming market on Sunday August 27. They now have 46 stalls – slowly catching up to the more established Blackheath Growers Market with its 59 stalls, which Mrs Riley co-runs with Pollyanne Feneck, from Black Castle Events.
“I am using our anniversary to launch the Springwood Growers first steps to reducing our environmental footprint by giving away coffee mugs to the first 100 customers to encourage them to bring them back to be used at every market instead of take away cups,” she said.
The markets are held on the fourth Sunday of every month at the Blue Mountains Community Hub in Springwood – billed as the place where Mountains residents can get local and regional foods “straight from the paddock to your plate”. There is everything from fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, beef, pork and bacon, olives and antipasto and more.
Some of the unique offerings include a vegan baker “whose donuts look like something from Krispy Kremes” to a stand selling Polish Kransky, Trunkey bacon from Orange and the popular Tibetan Momos (dumplings) street food stand.
At every market free tickets are given away to win a hamper, with some of the finest fare from the event. The hampers can include cheeses, veggies, meats, condiments, brownies, jams and breads. At the next market two hampers will be given away. There will also be taste testings and live music.
Mrs Riley says they had quickly become a part of the community – helping out local charities.
“It’s just a really good community place. The Neighbourhood Centre opens up now and gets a lot of activity. Some of the charities [we have helped] are the Beard Up Boys, the Girl Guides, RSPCA, the Neighbourhood Centre food drive, Salvation Army and this month, the Cancer Council’s Give Cancer The Boot Relay for Life.
Blue Mountains Community Hub programs coordinator said they were “delighted with the ongoing popularity and success” of the event.
“The local community has really embraced the monthly markets and we expect a bumper attendance for this special second anniversary event”.
Next month the markets will giveaway 100 calico bags. They are also looking for volunteers to man recycling bins. Text 0414 733 400 if interested.
The Springwood Growers Markets is at the Blue Mountains Community Hub, 104 – 108 Macquarie Road, Springwood, on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9am – 12 noon.