Commerce’s sporty spring celebration

AS the spring sporting season comes to a head, Commerce Ballarat are delivering Plate Up’s latest initiative – The Big Sporting Spectacular.

Running between last Saturday and 3 November, the event celebrates 11 days of sport from the AFL and NRL grand finals to the Spring Racing Carnival.

Everyone can join the festivities with a range of takeaway food and drink packages, as well as in-venue events and activities, from businesses including North Ballarat Sports Club, Ballarat Trotting Club, Mitchell Harris Wines, Red Lion, City Oval Hotel, Golden City, Freight, Hop Temple, Fabulous Feast, Peter Ford Catering, Eclectic Tastes, The Turret, the Western Hotel, Irish Murphy’s, Country Casseroles and the Brown Hill Hotel.

Offering a gourmet food package as part of the event, chef Peter Ford said it’s not only a great opportunity to promote his business, but to also get together in any way we can and celebrate this time of the year.

“We think it’s a great opportunity, while we’re waiting for things to open up, it’s an opportunity to still sell products,” he said.

“The hamper we’re offering is inspired by the Spring Carnival and uses a range of produce from the region.”

“It’s great to be involved as a mass with the other hospitality venues around town because we’ve had to band together through this time and gives people the opportunity to get a smorgasbord of what we can do.”

The program also includes an opportunity to get dressed up for the Spring Racing Carnival, whether at a venue party with friends or playing along at home.

In addition, Commerce Ballarat are inviting those participating to share their food packages and dress up photos to Instagram and tag #sportingspectacular to win up to $500 from selected local businesses.

To learn more about the event or to order a pack from one of the participating vendors, visit plateupballarat.com.au.