The carpark at the Gawler Visitor Centre will come alive this Saturday with the hustle and bustle of people searching for fresh food bargains, as the Gawler Farmers’ Market returns.
The management of the Market has been taken over by the Frangos family of Virginia, who have plans to provide a wider range of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as other locally produced foods, at affordable prices.
Market spokesperson, Mr Andrew Frangos, said they are aiming to give local growers and food producers an opportunity to sell direct to the customer and improve farm gate returns.
“Customers will be able to buy fresh products, grown or produced either locally or in other parts of the State and Australia, depending on seasonal conditions”, Mr Frangos said.
“We will focus on fresh products, so we need to source them from whichever regions support seasonal growing patterns.
“Wherever products are sourced, Market sellers will strive to provide a consistent level of service and product availability, at affordable prices.
“Having grown up in the region, we are keen to serve our community,” added Mr Frangos.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, is supporting the Market, commenting that he is glad to see that stalls will be owner-operated and reflect mum and dad small businesses.
“The new Market will include more affordable produce and stall holders will be required to be present at every Market”, Mr Piccolo said.
“Farmers’ Markets are not only important to give growers a better return and enable customers to buy direct, they also play an important social role in helping to build a sense of community.”
One stall will also be reserved (at no charge) for local service clubs and community groups to provide catering, with all proceeds retained by the organisation.
More information about the Gawler Farmers’ Market can be found at its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gawlerMarket The new Market opens at 8 am on Saturday 12 January.