For many years, Armidale has had its markets in the mall on the last Sunday in each month. They're still going even today, but with a declining number of stalls. That outcome may reflect growing competition from farmer's markets which commenced maybe 10 years or so ago. The initial event was held on one Sunday each month different to the market in the mall - Armidale's main shopping street- until recently. Then, a little while back, the farmer's markets went to twice a month on the first and third Sundays, both held in a park alongside Dumaresq Creek - the main waterway through the centre of town. And, today, for the first time, a third farmer's market opened up on the second Sunday of the month. This event, unlike the others was hosted out at the Saumarez mansion, a National Trust property located to the south of our city.
It wasn't an auspicious day for the opening event! After months of drought, January saw a monumental rainfall of c. 180 mm (or over 7 inches). And this climate shift has moved into February with further impressive falls of c. 55 mm (over 2 inches) in the first eight days. I couldn't resist taking these two cloudscapes looking north from near Saumarez just arriving there. It wasn't raining at the time but, as you can imagine, rain was imminent at any moment.
And here was the first glimpse I got of the market stalls as I walked into the grassy area next to the homestead's restaurant. Normally, this area is a car-park for visitors
And this was the view of the remaining stalls as I swung left through 90 degrees. I was saddened by the overall small number of stalls compared with the established markets down-town. At a guess, the number would have been only c. 40% of the usual total. This outcome, however, may reflect both the advertised heavy rainfall and it being a first-time venue. Perhaps the sizeable number of people who turned up is harbinger of success into the future. It's certainly an attractive and historical location, and the Saumarez managers are trying hard to popularise the location.
As usual at these kinds of event, one of my favourite stalls was present: 'Fe Fi Fo'. This sells delicious French-style pastries and I couldn't miss the opportunity to buy Dot an almond croissant and me a little pastry with cherries embedded in it. I was alone as Dot preferred to stay at home this time.
Altogether, it was a pleasant experience. So, I shall return.
AS
It wasn't an auspicious day for the opening event! After months of drought, January saw a monumental rainfall of c. 180 mm (or over 7 inches). And this climate shift has moved into February with further impressive falls of c. 55 mm (over 2 inches) in the first eight days. I couldn't resist taking these two cloudscapes looking north from near Saumarez just arriving there. It wasn't raining at the time but, as you can imagine, rain was imminent at any moment.
Despite the impending weather, many people drove out there to, like me, survey the scene. Here' a mobile coffee wagon parked in from of the homestead.
And here was the first glimpse I got of the market stalls as I walked into the grassy area next to the homestead's restaurant. Normally, this area is a car-park for visitors
And this was the view of the remaining stalls as I swung left through 90 degrees. I was saddened by the overall small number of stalls compared with the established markets down-town. At a guess, the number would have been only c. 40% of the usual total. This outcome, however, may reflect both the advertised heavy rainfall and it being a first-time venue. Perhaps the sizeable number of people who turned up is harbinger of success into the future. It's certainly an attractive and historical location, and the Saumarez managers are trying hard to popularise the location.
As usual at these kinds of event, one of my favourite stalls was present: 'Fe Fi Fo'. This sells delicious French-style pastries and I couldn't miss the opportunity to buy Dot an almond croissant and me a little pastry with cherries embedded in it. I was alone as Dot preferred to stay at home this time.
Altogether, it was a pleasant experience. So, I shall return.
AS
1 comment:
Such a beautiful location for a market. Hope you both enjoyed your pastries.
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