The Buy from the Bush QLD Festival
What an amazing turnout for our inaugural Buy from the Bush QLD Festival! With around 5000 people in attendance during the day, it certainly was a success.
It was fantastic to team up with Kerri Brennan from Buy from the Bush QLD to shine a spotlight on bush businesses and to provide an event for city folk to come out into the country and connect with regional and rural businesses, growers, makers and creators from the Scenic Rim, Southeast Queensland and throughout Queensland.
Upon entering the farm, visitors were able to enter into our special prize draw that included prizes from Summer Land Camels and Buy from the Bush QLD valued at over $745 (Total Prize Pool). Each group also received a “goodie bag” that contained a special gift from us – a free Night Cream valued at $29.95.
More than just a market day, the Buy from the Bush QLD Festival featured on-stage entertainment, Food trucks, Camel Rides, Farm Tours, Live Music, and kid’s games in addition to nearly 80 stalls.
The event was also supported by Destination Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Granite Belt, Visit Lockyer Valley and Experience Somerset. These Councils/Tourism bodies brought along stallholders from their region, gave away prizes and helped to promote the event. Visit Lockyer Valley brought along special guest – celebrity Chef and TV personality Alastair McLeod, who fired up the BBQ at the Visit Lockyer Valley marquee.
With around 80 market stalls, there was a huge array of gift ideas, homewares and handmade goods. Some of these included handmade earrings, hair accessories clothing, handbags, children’s clothing and more.
Foodies were in heaven with so many options for gourmet goodies to take home. Everything from homemade relishes, marinades, jams and chutneys to condiments from Native Oz Bushfoods and Granite Belt Gourmet (Truffle Discovery Centre).
When it came to alcoholic beverages there was something for everyone (aged 18+ of course). Granite Belt Brewery sold out early in the afternoon and Jason from Imbibis Craft Distillery was also a very popular fellow throughout the day. We had our Camel Milk & Honey Vodka available to try along with other wine and beer options at the Summer Land Camels Bar.
Our café was serving delicious food all day but of course we needed reinforcements to feed the hungry multitudes! Food trucks in the market area provided options that included pizza, Malaysian food, mini pancakes, organic vegan and vegetarian options and delicious BBQ quail straight from the farm thanks to Brisbane Valley Farm Direct.
Throughout the day, visitors were entertained by Shane Conroy Country Music and a range of speakers who made up our centre stage entertainment. We were very excited to have Riley Day, a local Olympian runner who had a chat on stage with Jon Krause MP.
Alastair McLeod regaled us with stories of his food adventures in the Lockyer Valley. Some other speakers on stage were regional Qld producers including Deb from Running Creek Beef, Jason from Bee All Natural, Dan from One Tree Canoe Company. We were also pleased to welcome Justine from event sponsor AVAS Support to the stage.
Paul Martin, CEO of Summer Land Camels and Kerri Brennan from Buy from the Bush QLD officially opened the Festival with the help of Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen and Douglas James who performed a traditional welcome and acknowledgement. Kerri shared about why she started Buy from the Bush QLD and what the organization has meant to so many bush businesses who are doing it tough.
As usual, our friendly camels were the superstars of the day – we couldn’t do it without them! Our amazing team of riding camels and dedicated cameleers provided visitors with camel rides and many people took a Farm Tour throughout the day. Kids and adults alike had fun feeding and interacting with our lovely camels near the café. The Farm Shop and café were busy all day, with many customers stocking up on our award-winning camel dairy and skincare products.
We would like to thank all our customers who supported this event, Kerri Brennan and her Buy from the Bush QLD team, our amazing staff, our guest speakers, representatives from our neighbouring Council regions, all our wonderful stallholders and of course our beautiful camels. What a team! We can’t wait for the Festival next year, which will be even bigger and better!
Thanks to our sponsors and partners:
If you can't wait until September 2022 for our next Buy from the Bush QLD Festival, check out our next market day on our What's On Page.
Massive thanks to the amazing Kelly from K N J Photography for the vibrant event photos! Follow her on Facebook