At the Lilydale Village Market Dee Alford, of Lilydale, watches as Chrissie Ahern, of Mount Direction Olive Oil, gives Trevor Wolstenholme, of Golconda, a taste of her olive oil. Picture: NEIL RICHARDSON
YOU would think that two markets held 200 metres apart on the same day in a town of 300 people would ignite a rural rivalry.
But the organisers of both the Lilydale Village Market and the town's brand new Meet the Producer market, say there's now twice as many reasons to take a Sunday drive in the country.
The Meet the Producer market debuted yesterday at the Lilydale Larder cafe.
Passionate stallholders shared the stories behind their home-grown and handmade specialty produce, which ranged from fruit and vegetables to gourmet dog food.
The market is the baby of Lilydale foodie Leon Lange, and will be held every Sunday throughout the year.
Instead of rivalling the already-established fortnightly Lilydale Village Market, the two events have decided to partner up to draw people to town.
``We're working hand-in-hand to bring as many people to town as possible,'' Lilydale Larder owner and Producer Market host Sarah Hirst said.
``It really gives people double the reason to come out here.''
Lilydale Village Market stalwart Simon Lockett agrees.
com``If we tried to outdo each other, people would get confused, we would both lose,'' he said.
``It's very much about promoting the two events side-by-side,'' he said.