Happy market organisers celebrate 'a hearty hub of community goodness'

Running a thriving farmers' market can be challenging. It's a lot of hard work but worth it. That's according to the couple behind the Devonport Farmers' Market. Lisa and Simon Want appreciate the effort that went into the market's success after re-opening the gates to producers and patrons two years ago and do not take it for granted. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, up to 1800 people gather at the old Devonport Showground.

 

By Libby Bingham

Updated January 6 2024 - 10:30AM, first published January 5 2024 - 3:00PM

The Devonport Farmers Market is flourishing with up to 1800 people attending to buy produce grown in the region. Picture supplied.

Running a thriving farmers' market can be challenging.

It's a lot of hard work but worth it.

That's according to the couple behind the Devonport Farmers' Market.

Lisa and Simon Want appreciate the effort that went into the market's success after re-opening the gates to producers and patrons two years ago and do not take it for granted.

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, up to 1800 people gather at the old Devonport Showground.

They come to enjoy the live music, purchase fresh produce grown in the region's fertile red dirt, and mingle in good spirits.

People arrive at the Devonport Farmers Market, which reopened two years ago at the old showground. Picture supplied.

People arrive at the Devonport Farmers Market, which reopened two years ago at the old showground. Picture supplied.

Families love the showground's green space with kids' activities.

The market is flourishing, thanks to dedicated stallholders and the support of hundreds of "loyal patrons" who show up in all kinds of weather.

"You have helped this little market grow into a happy and healthy, hale and hearty hub of community goodness," the Wants posted on Facebook.

"Let's eat, rest and repeat in 2024, bringing even more local food love to the North-West."

The plan is to extend the market hours to accommodate demand and the lingering lunch crowd.

The last two markets had 1400 and 1800 people through the gates.

The Wants wanted to revive the showground's pre-existing market, but were naive to the challenges.

Mr Want said one of the best achievements is the sense of community it brings to people who love staying on because of the market's "friendly feel".

Market organiser Simon Want said it was lovely to see the market grow and become a community hub where people linger to spend time. Picture supplied.

Market organiser Simon Want said it was lovely to see the market grow and become a community hub where people linger to spend time. Picture supplied.

After buying the historic showground from the Devonport Agricultural and Pastoral Society for an infill residential development, the Wants pledged to retain some of the site's history.

As part of the community consultation on the still pending housing project, Mr Want said it was obvious people wanted a farmers' market again.

"We've travelled Australia, and every great little community has a wonderful, vibrant farmers' market," he said.

"Given the North-West Coast is one of the greatest food production areas in the country, we should have one of the best ones.

"It's a huge commitment that takes up an enormous amount of time, but it has been incredible to see it.

"These amazing stallholders and community volunteers have tapped into it, and it has met what they were looking for so that rain, hail or shine, they all turn up.

The Devonport Farmers Market sells fresh veggies grown locally. Picture supplied.

The Devonport Farmers Market sells fresh veggies grown locally. Picture supplied.

"We have a beautiful mix of 45 stalls with more coming and a strong enough following, to look at giving people extra specialty markets."

Mr Want said stallholders not confident to take the plunge at larger markets could grow as Devonport flourished.

Some stallholders who previously travelled to the Harvest and Farm Gate markets are now at the Devonport market.

The biggest challenge was creating the market people wanted.

"Even though we have these amazing successful large and diverse producers in the region that make and grow incredible food, a lot of it goes off the island where it's all contracted," Mr Want said.

The recent Christmas markets attracted huge crowds to the old showgrounds. Picture supplied.

"When we started, there weren't any real market farmers that sold at farmers markets anymore, and the ones that did come, the quality was mixed.

"We had to go out and find local farmers with produce to sell but don't come to the market."

The Wants sourced the produce for an aggregate fruit and veggie stall that underpins the market and provides what other stalls don't.

"That's been a core thing for people to know they can get seasonal fresh produce cut the day before or two days ago, and we put as small a margin on it as we can to cover costs.

"When you see the joy the market brings people and the ability to serve the community healthy food, sharing company and space, it makes it all worthwhile."

 
Lisa WhiteThe Advocate