Showing off Heathcote’s best

VISITORS and locals gathered last weekend for Heathcote on Show with more than 20 wineries, local businesses and an art show open.

Heathcote Tourism and Development president Peter Young said it was a fantastic weekend.

“We had record visitor numbers,” he said. “The weather was overall pretty good, and everything went well.

“It is a great event for the town.

“The art show by Heathcote Artists Inc. was a wonderful addition to the program and feedback has been really good for that and the show in general.”

Visitors toured wineries, pop-up cellar doors, and browsed local shops.

 

Heathcote General Trader proprietor Adam Brady said the event was great for the town and was a platform for expansion in coming years.

“It’s great to have events like Heathcote on Show during winter when it’s traditionally a quiet time for local traders,” said Brady.

“Events like this bring an energy to the town and it would be great to see it grow to include more activities.

“Unfortunately, sales have been down, a sign of our current times.”

Heathcote General Trader stocks a range of household provisions, curated wares and hand-picked home goods.

 

The shop is open from Thursday to Tuesday, on weekdays 10am to 3pm and weekends 10am to 2pm.

Carol Foster from Heathcote Ambulance Op Shop said the volunteer-run store had a fantastic weekend.

“We were lucky. The shop was busy and we received lots of positive feedback,” she said.

“Sales were good with visitors keen to find a bargain, but it would be good if we could expand the event to include more activities, especially for children.

“I remember a few years ago when the street was so busy you could hardly move.

 

“I’d love to see it like that again.”

Ellis Wines operated a pop-up cellar door in the Senior Citizens Building.

The 5-Star winery is noted for creating world-class shiraz.

“Sales and visitor numbers were down but it is always good to meet with customers,” said Stuart Palmer.

“Many have been coming back year after year.”

First-time visitor Belinda Carlilse, from Melbourne, said she thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

“It’s the first time I’ve been here and was recommended by friends,” she said.

“I’ll definitely be back again next year.”