Not your average markets: Sutton Village Country Markets creates a bustling forum of food, drink, music, stalls, entertainment and community engagement. Photo: Sutton Village Country Markets.
Practically on Canberra’s doorstep, the Sutton Village Country Markets transforms a small town oval into a bustling forum on the second Sunday of each month.
Quickly becoming a local mecca for fresh produce, locally made wine, live music, activities, coffee, artisanal stalls, gardening and crafts, the markets are not only growing in popularity but being recognised for quality.
Taking home the Community Choice Award for Best Community Event at the 2025 Yass Business Council Awards, the markets are making waves, although organisers Yolanda Haverfield and Sandie Moore didn’t even know they were nominated.
“We weren’t aware of the awards until the voting started. The community nominated us and we were pleasantly surprised,” markets manager Sandie says.
Sutton Village Country Markets does things a bit differently, something Sandie credits for the continuing success.
“We have a good system where we pick the stalls that operate on each market day to avoid double-ups, so we don’t have over-saturation; you won’t find two or three stalls doing the same thing,” she says.
The country markets are drawing droves of visitors from across the border in Canberra. And there’s more than just the standard fruit and veg bringing them across to NSW.
“It’s a real family day out,” Sandie says.
“We have buskers, coffee, family play areas, activities, as well as stalls that sell artisanal goods, tea, leatherworks, locally distilled spirits, wine and homemade food.”
It’s not all about commerce. It’s also an opportunity for the community to get out and spend time together as charities and organisations such as the Rural Fire Service come to meet with and educate locals.
“The SES [State Emergency Service] often comes out and shows off their equipment to the public, who always get a kick from getting close and personal to the kit,” Sandie says.
“There are also interactive activities relating to important things like fire safety and it’s a great chance for locals to ask about volunteering.
“It’s becoming a forum for locals to get together and support local businesses.”
To celebrate three years of successful operation, the Sutton Village Country Markets is holding a special market day on 14 September from 9 am to 1:30 pm.
“It’s going to be a bit bigger than usual and there are going to be special events like a $200 market money giveaway, face painting, interactive activities and more,” Sandie says.
“Contestants in the competition just need to tell the organisers what they like most about the markets.”
For more information, visit Sutton Country Markets.
