By Bridget Brady
THE monthly Pearcedale Farmers Market has grown to include a mini market on the first Saturday of each month.
The goodness of fresh local produce will now be available twice a month, and market manager Janie Varkulevicius said the mini market would have a different feel.
“There are commercial growers at the main farmers market, but we are encouraging locals who have an abundance of fruit on their trees or enjoy making cakes and things to have a stall,” she said.
“We’ve got the resources so this is an opportunity for the community to come together and help each other by buying what we need from each other.
“Why serve the flaccid supermarket foods that have been shipped for miles when you can buy perfect produce at great prices and support your local community at the same time.”
The Pearcedale Farmers Market, which is on the third Saturday of each month, started in October 2007.
The Pearcedale mini market will be held on the first Saturday of the month, starting on 7 March.
Ms Varkulevicius said having a market twice a month meant people could buy all of their fresh produce locally.
“We want people to get into the habit of buying fresh food every two weeks.
“The mini market will mainly be food…it is a good opportunity to bring the community together and for people to make some extra money.”
The Pearcedale Farmers Market will be held this weekend.
A stall at the mini market costs $30. For more information contact Janie Varkulevicius on 5989 0335.
The Pearcedale Farmers Market is held at 710 Baxter-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, next to the Pearcedale Recreation Reserve.