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Tastes take over the town

James Mele, of The Meat Room, and James Carlin from Tooborac Brewery come together for the innuendo-filled Beers and Bangers demo. Photo by Billie Davern

Seymour’s Station St was packed with tasty treats and moreish drinks on Saturday, April 26.

The 25th annual Tastes of the Goulburn flooded the central street with food and drink stalls, vendors, demonstrations and music in a celebration of all the Goulburn Valley region has to offer.

Whacky Fruit lit up Station St with vibrant music. Photo by Billie Davern

While a closure on the Hume meant that numbers were lower than anticipated, event co-chair Anna Rogan said more than 2000 people attended.

“We’re really happy with the number given that highway closure going against us,” Ms Rogan said.

“It was overwhelmingly positive.”

The kids corner was full all day. Photo by Billie Davern

The event saw the showcasing of local talent in the food and wine industry, with tastings on offer for guests from across the state and even the country.

About 35 per cent of attendees came to Seymour from Melbourne, while 65 per cent were local to the region.

Ms Rogan said the two distinct groups of attendees was one of the successes of the event.

Vanessa and Michael Thomas from Nagambie Artisan Bread had tasty treats on display. Photo by Billie Davern

“What I really love is that we get to put on an event that the local community can be really proud of and can celebrate what is here and it can also reach people who are not from here,” Ms Rogan said.

“Seymour is the perfect place to host all of the Goulburn Valley because it is such a gateway to the region.

“The attendees and our vendors were just all in high spirit, it was a real sense of community and a real sense of pride.”

Sam + Sam light up the stage. Photo by Billie Davern

The day is an important one for the economic development of growing businesses in the region.

Vendor Nina Stocker of Bravegoose Vineyard said it is a key date on the winery’s calendar.

“Tastes of the Goulburn is always one of the biggest days of the year for us at Bravegoose Vineyard,” Ms Stocker said.

Billie Spargo, 8, from Seymour, added a flower to the Goulburn Options community canvas. Photo by Billie Davern

“We love the atmosphere and the opportunity to share our wines with thousands of visitors.

“It has become a truly special event for the Goulburn Valley and one we look forward to every year.”

Kathy Purchase, Coral Cole, Anne Davidson and Brenda Page flaunt the green of the Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Photo by Billie Davern

Ms Rogan also noted the significant dedication of the volunteers who made the event possible.

“The commitment and dedication that they have to putting on a standout event is so impressive. It really is a team effort,” Ms Rogan said.

“Our sponsors as well, we couldn’t put it on without their support.

“It takes a real crowd of dedicated, amazing people to put it on every year.

Rosie Sheppard, Shannon Parnaby, Elizabeth King and Megan D'Silva welcomed guests into the Goulburn Options Pop-Up Art Show. Photo by Billie Davern

“Events like Tastes of the Goulburn are the heartbeat of regional Victoria. Every dollar spent, connection made and memory created supports our economic future and the pride we feel in calling this region home.”

Tastes of the Goulburn is set to make a return next year to again fill Station St with bites, sips and an exciting atmosphere.

Station St was flooded with food trucks. Photo by Billie Davern
Seymour and District Art Society president Terri MacDonald and member Meg Heres show off the talents of the region. Photo by Billie Davern
Ally Rust and Waldo, Connie and Chris Smit had wines galore at the Muto Tallarook stall. Photo by Billie Davern
Peter Lockyer, Emily Buchanan and Peter Gaffney from BEAM Mitchell Environment Group. Photo by Billie Davern
Tooborac Brewery’s Jack Freestone and John Finlay gave out free samples all day. Photo by Billie Davern
Mushrooms of every variety were on display at Simon Willis' Divine Mushrooms stall. Photo by Billie Davern
Susan Bennett from Antcliff's Chase had fuzzy beanies for the cooling weather. Photo by Billie Davern
The line for the Tahbilk tasting only grew throughout the day. Photo by Billie Davern