Taste Coly Food and Farm Festival on this weekend

“We know all of this rain has really affected farmers in our region and while we may not be able to make it go away, we do hope that we can at least brighten their weekend,” said festival coordinator, Julie Bellato.

Despite the ongoing rain that has cut off roads and damaged some crops, organisers say this could be the biggest festival yet. “This is a chance for people to get up, close and personal with the full story of the journey from the soil to the dinner table.” 

Coleambally is recognised worldwide for its innovative water and soil conservation methods,” said Mrs Bellato.

The festivities start Friday night with a cocktail party and an art exhibition, where winners of the Taste arts prize will be announced and the $500 main prize, donated by Western Riverina Arts, presented. Saturday morning, after a bush poets’ barbecue breakfast, attendees can climb on board for the AgCap four-hour bus tour through many of the farms that form the Coleambally Irrigation Area, including a stop at the historic Tubbo Station shearing shed.

After lunch is the inaugural Coly Colour Run, a five-kilometre event, followed by the "50-Mile Meal", a five-course degustation featuring food and beverages sourced within a 50-mile radius. The growers themselves will be there on the night to explain the love and hard work that goes into their food.

Sunday’s Main Street Festival will include market stalls, entertainment, art workshops, a Paddock to Precinct, the Southern Cotton Regatta and the Sunrice Coly Cook Off.

Part of the Taste Riverina Festival, the three-day event aims to shine a light on the area’s sustainable, irrigated agriculture and produce.

“We are so excited to have Guest Foodie, Rodney Dunn a celebrity chef and a former Coly boy, who will be holding a number of cooking demonstrations using locally sourced ingredients,” said Mrs Bellato. 

Further information about the festival and program can be found at http://www.farm2food.net