Macleay Valley’s Farm Feast event on February 11 and February 12
Posted by: Liz Langdale, The Macleay Argus
Gladstone’s local cafe Steam and Cedar will provide food for the long table lunch on Wednesday, February 12. Photo: supplied.
An inaugural event is set to connect visitors and residents to food producers and cement the Macleay region as a prime tourism destination.
The Farm Feast event will be hosted by the Macleay over two days on Tuesday, February 11 and Wednesday, February 12.
Kempsey Shire Council’s coordinator of economic development and tourism, Marilyn Breen said she hopes the event will become an annual one.
The event will kick off with a dinner feast hosted by celebrity chef Lyndey Milan on Tuesday, February 11 from 5.30pm. The dinner will be at the Garden Bar and Kitchen, the Old Cheese Factory at Frederickton.
A full day of foodie fun will continue on Wednesday, February 12 starting with a 10am talk by Lyndey Milan on agri-tourism, followed by a long table lunch at Gladstone Park and finishing with a self drive tour to two Macleay Valley producers.
Each day costs $60 per person.
Ms Breen said the event is part of the council’s Macleay Valley Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
She said a lot of locals might not know about the secrets of some locations and it’s an opportunity for people to get to know where food comes from locally.
Local restaurants, Ms Breen said are doing a fantastic job of showcasing produce from the Macleay’s backyard.
Ms Breen said people who enjoy quality food and cultural experience, those who are producers and farmers and visitors to the region will be attracted to the event.
In light of the recent bushfire crisis and ongoing drought, Ms Breen said the event will be especially important to assist in the recovery of businesses and locals. She said it’s going to be integral to encourage people to buy local.
The event will coincide with the NSW Seniors Festival, which runs from February 12 until February 23. Local activities are also taking place in the region.
For more information, or to book a ticket for the Farm Fest, please visit www.eventbrite.com.au and search for Farm Feast Macleay Valley Coast.