By Jess Baker
For the very first time, Stanthorpe locals and visitors will unite to celebrate the summer strawberry harvest on the Granite Belt.
The Stanthorpe Berry Festival will kick off on Saturday 13 November, with a bumper selection of experiences and masterclasses on offer.
Event coordinator and Stanthorpe local Amy Torrisi said the festival was about connecting farmers to buyers, having fun, and celebrating the summer strawberry.
“You’ll be able to meet the farmers in the region (and) you’ll be able to meet the crew who work behind the scenes on producing iconic preserves and jams as well,” Amy said.
“You can get some tips and masterclasses … on how to be ’berry’ healthy, incorporating the summer strawberry into your diet, and making other produce from them.”
Over the course of the day, attendees will enjoy live entertainment, taste testing, eating competitions, demonstrations, and much more.
Strawberry farms Ashbern and Eastern Colour will also host ‘pick your own’ strawberry weekends, taking part in the festival alongside producers Jamworks Gourmet Foods and Pinata Farms.
Amy said the region’s growers had, like everyone on the Granite Belt, been dealt some devastating blows in recent years, but they were expecting an excellent summer season.
“We have seen a pretty harsh drought, but now with dams full, growers are planting their crops and pushing for a new beginning,” she said.
“At the end of the day that’s what you plant for.”
Having grown up in Stanthorpe herself, Amy said she always loved strawberries.
In fact, it was this affection, and a desire to acknowledge the work of local farmers, that inspired Amy and drove her to pursue the festival.
“The strawberry industry in the region is only growing,” Amy said.
“(The festival is) a great opportunity to be able to celebrate that because these growers are looking to increase their production here as well.”
Eastern Colour’s Nathan Baronio said he hoped the festival would highlight the significant role the Granite Belt and its growers play in Queensland’s strawberry industry.
“Support your local businesses and find out why our berries are so much better than Victoria’s,“ Nathan said.
“It’s not just the four berry farms that are involved, there are also breweries and restaurants and local musicians. It’s a good community event so please come out and support.“
The boutique event will be held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 13 November at Weeroona Park on Marsh Street.
Tickets are limited and only available online at eventbrite.com.au.
