Margot Shannon, Merchant Campbell. Photo: Hannah Sparkes.
The Yass Foodie Providore Market is returning for its second year, bringing Yass area producers and artisans together for a delicious day celebrating all things local.
The markets are run by Margot Shannon, the owner of Yass boutique store Merchant Campbell. She’s excited to bring the markets back.
“Last year’s market was the most extraordinary success because we had all these fabulous stalls and so many people came. And I call it extraordinary because the heavens opened and it absolutely poured, but it didn’t send anyone away,” Margot told Region.
“We’ve decided to make it an annual Spring event. And now we’ve had our fair share of dodgy weather, it will hopefully be a lovely day! But the show will go on regardless.”
The market aims to showcase local producers and makers. Margot explained that while her own shop doesn’t sell food, there is a shared interest in provenance and supporting people making things from scratch.
“My business is all about dealing with makers, whether that’s Crookwell socks, Good Hope pottery or small artisans – I’m actually off to India tomorrow to deal with my suppliers and makers – we want to work with artisans to maintain traditional crafts,” said Margot.
“They are making it themselves: they put their heart on their sleeve and say ‘this is what I make’ so I want to help promote that. And I just love good food and alcohol, and I like to know the provenance.”
Windalee Flower Farm supplies posies of flowers to Merchant Campbell weekly and will also be selling at the market. Photo: Supplied.
Stallholders include Hillman Bros Distilling Co., Intrepidus Wines, Boorowa Bees, La Barre olive oil and Woof Gang bakery dog treats.
“Windella Flower Farm will be there. She supplies the shop here every Friday with posies, and she’ll have a stand with her freshly picked posies of flowers. She lives on a property just out of Bowning and grows all her own flowers from seed. Her bunches are even wrapped with hand-dyed silk ribbons.”
Margot says that she understands the difficulties of primary producers (being married to one herself) and having lots of relationships with artisans, small businesses and craftspeople both locally and overseas.
The markets are also an excellent opportunity to seek out more in the Yass Valley, which has a lot to offer foodies and art lovers. Margot is encouraging market attendees to spend the day in town and support local small businesses.
“We need to look close to home, beyond Temu and Amazon and support local, small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, and our little main streets in towns like Yass.”
The Yass Foodie Providore Market will be held on Saturday, 1 November, from 10 am to 2 pm at Merchant Campbell, 287 Comur St, Yass, NSW. Follow Merchant Campbell on Facebook or Instagram.
