Launceston has something to celebrate this coming Saturday.
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The Harvest Launceston community farmers market is turning five.
Every Saturday, for five years, stallholders and shoppers have been dragging themselves out of bed (one earlier than the other) and heading down to a once nondescript inner-city car park.
In its first year of operation, the market would average between 1500 and 2000 shoppers a week.
Now, market co-founders Mary Mulvaney and Jenny Edis are proud to say that number consistently averages at 4000.
It is a weekly platform for the state’s producers to bring their passion straight to the consumer.
And it’s a chance for the consumer to connect with farmers, producers, and innovators.
Several stalls have gone on to open bricks-and-mortar operations around Launceston.
Its founders believe that having the platform of a market there, accessible, has given some producers the confidence to test the waters and try new things with their produce.
Its founders also believe that the market would not be where it is today without the support of the greater Launceston community.
They say the support they received in the initial stages of establishing the event was unparalleled.
It came from the City of Launceston Council, from businesses, and from other stallholders – including some who would step in to help tame difficult coffee machines.
The support continues, and with support, the market continues to grow.
Its popularity spills into the rest of Launceston and benefits it, by bringing people into the city when otherwise, they may not have ventured in.
As Tasmania’s reputation as a fresh produce icon grows, events like Harvest are invaluable to the city of Launceston.
Not only does it give the community access to some of the freshest produce available, it provides a platform to fully experience and appreciate the Tasmanian lifestyle.
It is a perfect example of an event and a community supporting each other, and growing in tandem.
So this coming weekend, we wish Harvest Launceston a happy fifth birthday.
Here’s to many more.