SOVEREIGN Hill\u2019s first ever Heritage Harvest Weekend is set to see a foodie takeover of the living museum.<\/p>\n
To be held over two days only, this Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 May, the festival is a nod to the classic autumn harvest period, a celebration of growing and preserving fresh seasonal produce, and age-old food practices.<\/p>\n
Sovereign Hill\u2019s head of external engagement Mark Hemetsberger said diggers arrived in Ballarat in the 1850s from all corners of the globe, and brought with them vibrant cultures and cuisines.<\/p>\n
\u201cFood was a way for them to remember their home and loved ones, and connect with those around them on the goldfields,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeritage Harvest Weekend is about curing, pickling, fermenting, distilling, salting… Acknowledging and celebrating those simple food traditions that have come to Ballarat from all around the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know visitors come to Sovereign Hill for a joyful experience. We\u2019re striving to build on our existing strengths, offer a new event full of excitement, fun, food, smells, feasts of flavour, and traditions, and attract a new foodie audience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Harvest Weekend program includes a market of 30 stalls selling artisan wares and produce, and a Botanical Bar championing distilleries including Kilderkin and Mrs Baker\u2019s Still House amongst citrus trees.<\/p>\n
The two days will be full of masterclasses and workshops in the areas of old trades, cheese, butter, terrine and p\u00e2t\u00e9-making, and even starting a bee colony.<\/p>\n
In the Victoria Theatre, restaurant critic Gemima Cody will host demonstrations with award-winning chefs including Underbar\u2019s Derek Boath, Future Food System\u2019s Jo Barrett, and CHAE\u2019s Jung Eun Chae, on sustainable proteins, Korean ferments, and French classics with an Aussie twist.<\/p>\n
The Chinese Village will offer dumplings, noodles, and displays of traditional dancing, while damper-making on an open fire will be the talk of the diggings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe expect this will be the biggest foodie event Ballarat will see for the whole year,\u201d Mr Hemetsberger said.<\/p>\n
A Little Explorers zone will encourage children to discover and conquer hay bale maze, learn new kitchen and green skills, including how to plant vegetables, and invite them to meet baby animals.<\/p>\n