Record crowds were reported throughout Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, with the signature event The Winter Harvest Festival, attracting well over 3000 people to Aratula on Saturday July 5.
The eight-day celebration of Scenic Rim food and farming attracted thousands of visitors to the region from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and further afield.
Food producers and farming businesses that participated in Eat Local Week reported increased visitor numbers and huge interest in how they produce fresh food, wine and beer.
“The Council is thrilled with Eat Local Week and how it has been embraced by local food producers and by city-based consumers,” says Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent.
“Everyone I spoke to was astounded by just how much food originates from our region and by the vast range of products being produced here.
“The agriculture and tourism industries are worth more than $400-million to the region and it was wonderful to have it on show throughout Eat Local Week.
“But for me the highlight was without doubt the Winter Harvest Festival at Aratula. This is the second year we’ve hosted the event and visitors started arriving before doors had even opened. We estimate a total crowd well in excess of 3000 people.
“Stall holders reported excellent sales, TV chef Alastair McLeod was hugely popular, as were the free children’s rides, the live music and of course the Tractor Pulling competition.
“A very big thank you to all of the producers involved in Scenic Rim Eat Local Week and to the many thousands of people who supported the more than 80 events.”
Eat Local Week and the Winter Harvest Festival are supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the state.