Bendigo Show Exhibition

Published on 14 October 2016

Patrons at this year’s Bendigo Agricultural Show will have the chance to win a hamper of home-grown gourmet produce, thanks to a move by Loddon Shire Council to take a site at the event for the first time.

The stand will be shared over the two days by Glencoe Farms, of Appin South, and volunteers promoting the visitor attractions of the Loddon Valley.

The Show, planned for 21-22 October at the Showgrounds, will offer its usual dizzying mix of rides, horse events, exhibits, children’s entertainment, cookery and craft, showbags and fireworks.

Organisers have allocated Council a site in the last of the art and craft sheds to the left of the main Showgrounds gates.

Glencoe Farms is owned and operated by the Henry family, growing seasonal tomatoes for the production of pasta sauces.

Spokesman Andre Henry said this would be the first time the business had been a stallholder at the Show.

“Our pasta sauce range uses our own fruit and, as far as I know, it’s the only pasta sauce in Australia produced by the family who actually grow the tomatoes,” Mr Henry said.

“We started about 18 months ago and now sell through farmers’ markets and 25 independent retailers.

“We also sell pasta varieties and a range of tomato-based vegan jerky.

“We won a gold medal this year in the savoury preserves section at the Australian Food Awards with one of our sauces and exhibited in the Winning Tastes Pavilion at last month’s Royal Melbourne Show.”

Loddon Shire tourism and marketing officer Robyn Vella said visitors would be able to chat with the volunteers about places to visit in the Loddon Valley.

“There’ll be information available about the tourist experiences we offer and everyone visiting the stand will have the chance to win a hamper of regional produce,” she said.

“There’s still time for people to donate their time if they would like to lend a hand.”

To find out more, phone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489.