Ballan Farmers’ Market has become a favourite among locals since coming to town three years ago, and organisers are hoping it will only get bigger.
An average of 500 visitors, from Ballan and beyond, flock to the market on the second Saturday of every month to snap up fresh produce and enjoy local bands.
That number passed 800 in December and market treasurer Carol Saffer hopes the growth trend will continue.
“We’re focusing on a wider catchment area of customers,” she said.
The continued growth means the market is now self-sustaining, allowing organisers to introduce a “give back to the community strategy”.
Since last September, the market has donated more than $1000 to local organisations including Ballan District Health and Care and the Ballan Men’s Group.
“This is in response to how the community has supported the market … it’s the community who made the gold coin donations which helped us get to where we are,” Ms Saffer said.
“We feel this is the way to work with a community that has worked with us.”
Ms Saffer said community spirit was always a vital part of market days.
“The community spirit of Ballan comes through very, very strongly at the market,” she said.
“And we consider stallholders part of our community and part of our family, too.”
The Ballan Farmers’ Market is held on the second Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm at Mill Cottage, 96 Inglis Street, Ballan.
For more details visit: www.ballanfarmersmarket.com
