Bacchus Marsh’s annual Harvest Festival, to be held on Sunday, is an invitation to explore the area by visiting farms and meeting growers.
Visitors can learn all the tricks to growing perfect strawberries from David Durham at Naturipe Fruits, or they can head to Jeff Jones Plants and Produce to check out the pumpkin patch and learn all about heirloom pumpkins.
“It’s going to be a really great public event,” Mr Durham said.
“It’s something a little bit different, giving people the chance to visit farms and meet some growers.”
Visitors can also visit one of Bacchus Marsh’s oldest family orchards and take part in a tour of Paynes Boutique Orchard with Graham Payne, who will share his knowledge of Bacchus Marsh’s apple-growing history.
The day’s festivities will also include crowd favourites like a gumboot-throwing contest and apple pie competition.
The winner of ‘best vegie patch’ will also be announced at the festival.
Mr Durham said there was something to do or see for visitors of all ages, including entertainment on the main street.
He said the festival tied in with the apple and pear-picking season and harvesting of vegetables such as pumpkins, sweet corn and potatoes.
“Harvest is traditionally associated with wine-growing and this is the time of year when grapes are harvested, too,” he said.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the festival was an opportunity for visitors to experience what the Bacchus Marsh community experienced every day of their lives.
“We open the doors to Bacchus Marsh and allow the rest of the world in to see our wondrous bounty,” Cr Tatchell said.
More details
The Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival is this Sunday, March 15, from 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit info@visitbacchusmarsh.com.au.
Yasemin Talat
