List of southeast Qld markets set to trade again this weekend

A series of popular Brisbane area markets shut down because of coronavirus are set to re-open this weekend, with hundreds of stalls open for trade.

BRING mum to the markets and score major brownie points this Mother’s Day.

That’s the message from Redcliffe, Kelvin Grove and Riverside markets, all of which will return this weekend after COVID-19 closures, just in time for mums to lap up barista-made coffees, gourmet pastries and fragrant blooms on their special day.

“We have a florist who is tripling the size of their stall this weekend and bringing in a gorgeous range of flowers,” said Mark Power, co-ordinator of the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets.

He expects more than 145 stalls to open on Sunday, with plenty of Brisbane people taking the drive – within the regulation 50km limit – for some sea air and shopping in the great outdoors.

“Visitors will find many enormously thankful, happy faces greeting them because traders are so happy to be back after being in hibernation,” Mr Power said.

“We’ll also have light entertainment – a couple of guitar soloists – so people can hear the nice music in the background if they are taking mum out or doing their shopping.”

With public safety paramount, he said there would be hand sanitiser stations and mobile handwash bays, cashless payments where possible, multiple entry and exit points, social distancing markers, and a six metre gap between stalls.

The popular Redcliffe Farmers & Artisan Markets are set to return after COVID-19 closures. SUPPLIED

Among the stallholders will be Luke Michael of Luke’s Berry Nice Berries, based at Ningi on the Sunshine Coas.

In six years, Mr Michael hadn’t missed a Sunday at the Redcliffe markets until the closure six weeks ago. “We’ve been missing it. It’s been very hard but we’ve kept our client base by delivering berries on Saturday and Sunday right to the door for all our customers up in Redcliffe,” he said.

Holland Park-based artist Carlie Edwards, another Redcliffe markets regular, will be selling her Earthdrawn Studio art prints and greeting cards.

Southeast Queensland outdoor markets are the main source of income for the artist, who also runs workshops, so the shutdown period has pinched.

“That’s why I felt the huge impact when we weren’t able to do markets anymore. For me it was such exciting and happy news to see the Redcliffe markets were opening back up again.”

Kelvin Grove Village and Riverside at the Gardens markets in Brisbane’s CBD, both run by markets doyenne Peter Hackworth, are also back this weekend.

Ms Hackworth has reduced the number of stalls at Kelvin Grove to 30 this Saturday to allow for more space in line with social distancing regulations. She expects plenty of locals, and their four-legged friends, to stop by for fresh produce, pantry supplies and gourmet eats.

Artist Carlie Edwards of Earthdrawn Studio with her art at the Redcliffe pier. Picture: Sarah Marshall/AAP )

“It’s the perfect time to buy fresh ingredients to make a special breakfast, lunch or dinner for mum, or to spoil her with flowers, craft and gifts,” she said.

The Riverside at the Gardens markets on Sunday will also be limited to 30 stalls with plans to revert to the usual offering, which extends from the Botanic Gardens into Albert Street, as soon as possible. “Our stallholders are thrilled to be returning,” Ms Hackworth said. “Riverside is their favourite market due to the peacefulness of the Botanic Gardens and the incredible eclectic range of people who visit. In saying that, they were very understanding of the need to close during the peak of COVID but now they are all revitalised and eager to see their regulars, and welcome mums!”

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

SATURDAY, May 9

Kelvin Grove Village Markets, cnr Blamey St and Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, 6am-1pm

Saturday Fresh Market, cnr Sherwood Rd and Martin Taylor Dr, Rocklea, 6am-12noon

Jan Powers’ Powerhouse Farmers Markets, New Farm Park, Lamington St, New Farm, 6am-12noon

Carseldine Markets, 532 Beams Rd (cnr Beams and Dorville roads), Carseldine, 6am-12noon

Davies Park Market, cnr Montague Rd and Jane St, West End, 6am-2pm

SUNDAY, May 10

Riverside at the Gardens Market, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens,

147 Alice St, Brisbane city, 9am-3pm

Redcliffe Farmers and Artisans Markets, Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe, 8am-2pm

Northey Street Organic Farmers Market, Northey Street City Farm, 54 Northey St, Windsor, 6am-11am

Milton Markets, Milton Green Complex, Milton Green, Cribb St, Milton, 6am-12noon

MARKET ETIQUETTE

Wash your hands or sanitise on entry

Choose your produce carefully by sight and purchase what you touch

Stay at a 1.5m physical distance from everyone else

Cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your face

Stay home if you are unwell

Source: Northey Street City Farm, nscf.org.au