After 18 months in the making and a few obstacles to overcome, Mt Eliza’s Farmers Market has made a ‘fresh and fantastic’ start. Thousands of locals and visitors to the area were thrilled by the quality of the event, some stating that it had “exceeded their expectations”.

That was also the sentiment of the market management who had been expecting a few hundred visitors on the day and were delighted by the turnout.

Other shoppers commented on the “English Village feel of the market atmosphere” and that the quality of the produce was the best they’d seen at a market anywhere. This is testament to the stallholders who are predominantly from within a 50km radius and also the firm but fair stance that market manager Melanie Wigg takes when selecting her stallholders.

“Mt Eliza is aiming to run the Peninsula’s first accredited Farmers Market with the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association, which means that there are no on-sellers, re-packagers or craft and bric-a-brac”, Miss Wigg says. “It’s all about the food and having the choice to buy it direct from the source – it’s that simple.”
 
The range of fresh produce and fantastic gourmet foods and beverages on offer was clearly very appealing and was reflected by the clear community enthusiasm and carnival atmosphere.

Musicians were out in force and the market is looking forward to playing host to buskers from local schools in the future. “We’re really focusing on Community Collaboration to make this market a success. The Lions and Rotary Clubs are invaluable in their support and it was great to see the Mt Eliza community out enjoying a Sunday morning together” said Miss Wigg.

“We are currently addressing a few issues on the day, bringing people’s awareness to car parking options and trying to ensure that our stallholders don’t sell out too quickly. The free range eggs were gone by 9:30am!”

Mt Eliza Ward Councillor Leigh Eustace officially opened the market on the day and market manager Melanie Wigg publicly thanked those who had make the inaugural market such an outstanding success.

The community is now eagerly awaiting for the next market which won’t be held until Sunday May 23 due to the market management committee’s decision not to operate on April 25th (ANZAC Day) out of respect for the veterans community.
 
The Mt Eliza Farmers Market operates on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Village Green, the corner of Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road from 8am to 12.30pm, with the next Market to be held on Sunday May 23.  Enquiries should be directed to market manager, Mel Wigg on 0429 398 684