Which markets are open this Spring?

As the weather starts to warm up and the Ballarat snow storms fades into our memories, many of the region’s farmers’ markets people know and love are re-commencing trading.

In response to the State Government’s COVID-19 rules and regulations, markets around the state were forced to close temporarily and make changes to their set ups.

Ballarat Farmers Market manager Steve Burns said they have been lucky enough to continue running since July and after only offering food and drinks for six weeks, they are finally back to its regular offerings.

“We have zero cases and people are feeling brighter because it’s coming into spring and some seasonal stalls are returning,” he said.

“Next market I’m expecting around 50 stalls from producers and sellers from around the state.

“The feedback from the shoppers is that they are feeling safe and comfortable, far more so than being in doors anywhere and that they want the market to thrive and continue.”

As we take strides towards COVID normal, although many local producers and home-made goods stall holders are resuming trade at their regular markets, it’s shaping up to be a different situation for each vendor.

While he’s grateful the market can open, Mr Burns said they are not open as usual and he’s unsure whether it will ever be normal again.

“We have a COVID management plan but we’re fortunate we have a large site so we can space everything out,” he said.

“If you have a tight space that is restricted, you might not be able to meet the four-square-metre rule or do it in a way that is viable.”

“Sadly, some of the smaller markets may not return, so we might see some of the larger ones increase in size.”

 

Ballarat Farmers Market and the Brown Hill Market

To operate safely during the pandemic, the Brown Hill Market relocated from the Brown Hill Hall to Zoo Drive and partnered up with the Ballarat Farmers Market to deliver a huge bi-monthly event.

“We’ve got all stalls returning but we are only operating at the Zoo Drive location,” Mr Burns said.

“The Brown Hill market is not able to operate in Brown Hill because I can’t currently find a suitable site there.”

This market which combines the two is located near Lake Wendouree and provides a range of coffee, food vans, local fruit and veggies, baked goods, pantry staples and other specialty goods.

While the Ballarat Farmers Market has operated in the area for well over a decade, it’s still one of the most popular in the region and can now be found in a more spacious site.

When? Every second Saturday of the month from 9:00am to 1:00pm plus a pre-Christmas Farmer’s Market at 12:00pm to 8:00pm on December 18

Where? Zoo Drive, Wendouree

 

Ballan Farmers Market

Set to reopen Saturday, 10 October, the local Farmer’s and Makers Market in Ballan is gearing up to once again offer regional

produce and home-made items.

At its former location, the market looks forward to welcoming old and new stall holders to the market to provide market goers with an enjoyable and COVID safe environment.

A selection of the producers and small businesses attendee can expect popping up at the market include; Blue Bird Cakes, Brooklyns Free Range Farms, Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese, Gorgeous George Probiotics, Lee-Ann De Souza, Little Ezra and Olive, Manna Hill Oil, Natural Basics, Peregrine Ridge Wines and Stavros Plants.

When? 2nd Saturday of the month from 9.00am till 1.00pm

Where? The Mill Cottage Gardens, 96 Inglis St, Ballan

 

Bridge Mall Market

Bringing primary producers together from all over the region in the heart of Ballarat’s CBD, the Bridge Mall Market will continue to trade the first Saturday of each month.

Not only does the market focus on bringing farm-fresh produce to your home and create a social hub, it offers producers the opportunity to sell directly and get to know their customers.

Every dollar raised from the market goes back into supporting the event and with activities for the kids and occasional local music and community events, the Bridge Mall Market continues to support the vibrancy of central Ballarat central and its residents.

When? First Saturday of every month from 9:00am to 1:00pm

Where? Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central

 

Daylesford Sunday Market

As an ideal day trip destination, Daylesford’s Sunday Market offers an array of producers, artisans and stall holders from in and around the iconic heritage town.

The market recently welcomed back many of their former, non-Melbourne, stalls which included plants, clothes, treats, homewares, sculptures, soap, cards and more.

Organisers say that face masks are a must and social distancing regulations must be adhered to at all times.

With around 60 stall holders on the list, market goers can expect to find goods from Mt Franklin Organics, Pero’s Wines, Turmerix, Stella’s Bakery, Captains Creek organic wines and Daylesford Cidery to name a few.

When? Every Sunday from 8:00am to 2:00pm

Where? Daylesford Railway Station, 18 Raglan Street, Daylesford

 

Creswick Market

The Creswick Market organisers and stallholders are excited to welcome back market goers to the community hub.

Just including non-food stallholders for the foreseeable future, the market is set to host a range of producers and small businesses selling goods such as plants, crafts, soaps, candles and other handmade wares.

With the Artisans’ and Makers’ Hall open too, attendees are asked to come and enjoy the offerings while adhering to social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing their masks.

When? First and third Saturday of the month from 9:00am to 1:00pm

Where? Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, 19-21 Victoria Street, Creswick

 

Ballarat Welcome Centre Twilight Market

Since its beginnings in 2017 the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council has provided additional support to regional communities

by offering emerging entrepreneurs a space to sell their products and services through the monthly Ballarat Welcome Centre Twilight Market.

The Twilight Market is known for offering a diverse collection of delights from hand-made, locally-sourced and ethically-produced goods from across our region and around the world and unique services to home grown flavours from Ballarat.

In response to the COVID-19 restrictions, the market moved online to continue providing vendors access to their customers and our community opportunity to experience the offerings.

Where? Currently online at twilightmarket.brmc.org.au.