There is a special buzz that fills the air on market day in Talbot. It starts at dawn, as cars and trailers roll into the tiny town. Scandinavia Crescent is transformed once more to a thriving commercial centre as marquees are pitched, tables assembled and produce displayed. Whether enjoying the cool sunrise of a summer morning or the pitch-black winter chill, there is a sense of anticipation as stall holders wait for visitors to arrive.
Locals greet each other and stop for a chat, visitors discuss produce with stallholders, families shop for groceries while kids pay in the playground. Mid-morning, the community garden and market square are popular resting spots as shoppers enjoy treats from the variety of international food vans. The sound of buskers mingles with the occasion excited bark of a dog or squawk of a chook.
Talbot was once a booming gold mining town boasting more than 30 pubs, seven schools, 16 hotels and its own newspaper. Stories abounded of nuggets found on the ground – quite literally, streets paved with gold. While the goldrush of the mid-1800s has long-since gone, the architecture of buildings from that time still stand as testament to the fortunes made and lost.
Today, it is treasure of a different kind attracting locals and tourists to this hidden gem. For the past two decades, on the third Sunday of the month, Talbot’s sleepy streets come alive with the sounds, smells and taste of one of the finest Farmers’ Markets in the state.
Market president Patty Brown explained that, while market regulars make a beeline for their favourite stalls, first-time visitors are often surprised at the range and quality of produce available.
“Talbot Farmers Market (TFM) has set the standard for farmers markets throughout the state for the past 20 years,” Patty said.
“As a committee we are extremely mindful of the legacy of the market; people know that products sold at TFM meet a selection criteria that ensures the provenance of goods sold.”
As consumers turn away from highly processed, mass-produced food, interest in home-grown produce has boomed. But not everyone has the time, skill or space to cultivate crops. Market goers know that TFM stall holders have met rigid standards; produce is seasonal and fresh, with nil or minimal chemical use.
The highlight of market day is the raffle draw, the prize a wheel barrow full of market fare – over flowing with honey, veggies, cakes, salami, olives, soap, herbs, plants flowers and bakery goods.
Then it’s over. While some head to the pub for a Sunday lunch, stall holders leave as quickly as they arrived. As the last car and trailer heads for the main road, the historic town returns to its stillness, waiting to come alive again on the third Sunday of the month.
