Family friendly market day

Lucy Hackett and Maeve Dougherty get into the market day spirit ahead of the many child-friendly activities planned for the Gate to Plate Market Day.

Adam Hourigan

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THEY say learning doesn’t feel like learning when it is fun and that is exactly what Judy Hackett and her team are trying to achieve with this year’s Causley Fresh Gate to Plate Market.

With a new concentration on making the market family friendly, kids will be able to be involved by way of a treasure hunt, sampling local wares along the way.

“It is going to be great fun. There are 14 stall holders taking part, with delicious samples and interesting questions about our local food,” Judy said.

“It will be $4 a child to enter but more importantly it is not a race. We want kids to take their time and have fun while learning about local produce and food, not race around just to get it done.

“Children can take part at their own pace and all entries will go into a prize draw for a hand-carved Harry Potter-style wand and vouchers from local businesses.”

Adding to the family-friendly theme of the day, there will be a special guest performing during the market.

“Dirtgirl from dirtgirlworld will be making her first live appearance in Grafton, which we are all excited about,” Judy said.

Local celebrities and sponsors will meet their rivals in business and politics in a local produce cook-off.

Under the watchful eye of renowned food critic Simon Thomsen – who will provide the commentary for the event – there’s sure to be some hilarious antics and a fair bit of friendly competition and rivalry in the cook-off.

On market day, a large marquee will be surrounded by market stalls, to create a village feel with produce sales, product sampling, demonstrations and wine tasting.