It’s gourmet food, but not as you may know it. A popular month-long food festival in one of Australia’s richest food bowls – just north of the Sunshine Coast – is set to celebrate outstanding produce as it returns this month.
The Mary Valley GourMay Festival will celebrate everything from dairy, beef, pineapples, avocados and limes to more exotic persimmons and feijoas grown throughout the region.
On hiatus for three years, the festival will return as a celebration of the farmers, producers and creators whose hard work and passion bring flavours to the plate.
It’s a great opportunity to meet the people behind the produce, who put joy on the plate, with one of the highlights being Festival Day on Saturday, May 6.
Throughout the month, the smorgasbord of events is sure to appeal to lovers of good food and authenticity.
This year, the Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce will revive the festival and secretary Malcolm Oakley says it will be a wonderful way to serve up agriculture and tourism together.
“Agriculture and tourism are two of the main economic drivers in the Mary Valley,” Mr Oakley says.
“So, it made sense to bring the two together and create this event to showcase our farmers, producers and creators.
“The hope is that GourMay Mary Valley will resonate with people from the metropolitan areas, who will discover this gem of a region.”
Mr Oakley says the festival is also an important chance to learn of the stories of the Mary River region.
“I’m sure most people know about the Mary River but don’t know the stories that lie in the hills,” he says.
“I’m looking forward to a lot of things throughout GourMay but particularly sharing the food story with visitors.
“The variety of events that have been created is exciting and it looks like there is something for everyone.”
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Taking place in Imbil Town Square, Festival Day will be a great opportunity to experience a taste of the Mary Valley with talks, cooking demonstrations, exhibitions and competitions.
The main event of the day will be a cook-off between local foodies, hosted by the Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan.
Going against the clock, contestants will create a dish that will be judged for the title of GourMay Cook of the Year.
Other events throughout the festival include long lunches, wine launches, high teas and cocktail and canapé events. It will wrap up with a gala dinner on June 3.
Mr Oakley says he hopes to see the festival continue and become a ‘must-do’ on the Queensland events calendar.
For the program and tickets, visit maryvalleycountry.au and click on the tab ‘Mary Valley GourMay Food Festival 2023 Events’.
The festival at a glance
- May 6 – GourMay Festival Day
- May 7 – Long Lunch with Peter Wolfe
- May 13 – Mary Valley’s Boozy Brunch
- May 13 – Mary Valley Food Trail
- May 14 – Mother’s Day High Tea
- May 19 – New Moon Dinner
- May 20 – Kenilworth Tasting Festival
- May 25 – Movies with Food
- May 26 to 27 – Campout under the stars and farm walk
- June 3 – Gala dinner
Did you know?
The Mary Valley extends from Crystal Waters to Jones Hill. Areas considered part of the Mary Valley include Traveston, Kybong, Langshaw, Calico Creek, Gilldora, Dagun, Amamoor, Kandanga, Carters Ridge, Imbil, Belli Park, Kenilworth, Conondale and Crystal Waters.
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