How grandad’s market tip-off led to special tradition for young couple

A popular Toowoomba market returned to the region for the first time this year, with crowds eager to check out the stalls. Here’s why these market enthusiasts ranked it as one of the best.

Temperatures may have reached the high 20s on Saturday, but not even this could stop the masses from returning to the first Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets of 2023.

Among the eager patrons in attendance were Kadin Rickert and his partner Anna Joerg to source their favourite fresh produce, Kombucha and baked goods.

“My grandad actually introduced us to this market and it’s a weekly tradition for him,” Mr Rickert said.

“All the stalls sell organic, fresh produce and that’s really valued by today’s society – plus it’s nice to support holistic growers.”

Kadin Rickert and Anna Joerg with fresh fruit from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

The 24-year-old Toowoomba man said he was proud to showcase the stalls and quality food on offer to his girlfriend who is from Germany.

“We always stop at The Baker’s Duck as I’m a sucker for the sweeties and with Anna being from Europe, she’s a real bread connoisseur,” he said.

“It was definitely busy (at the weekend) but I’ve never seen it not busy – people are keen rain, hail or shine.”

In addition to the wide selection of food on offer, Mr Rickert said he enjoyed the atmosphere, live music and great conversations shared with stallholders.

Brisbane visitors Chi Tang with dad Jim Tang and mum Melanie Liu get some vegetable seedlings to plant from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

But the weekly event doesn’t just attract locals.

Visiting from Brisbane were husband and wife Jim Tang and Melanie Liu, alongside their daughter Chi Tang.

After they received the recommendation from friends, the family set out to take a look at the markets and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of stalls.

Ms Tang said her parents who are avid gardeners went straight to the shop selling seedlings.

The Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets are held every Saturday, between 7am and midday, beside the Cobb and Co Museum.

Kadin Rickert and Anna Joerg with fresh fruit from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Avishek Khanal with son Amish and daughter Avika Khanal pick up juicy watermelon from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Kishan Shrestha of UB's Farm Helidon with his cherry tomatoes on sale at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Avishek Khanal with son Amish and daughter Avika Khanal pick up juicy watermelon from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets, Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Kadin Rickert and Anna Joerg with fresh fruit from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Kishan Shrestha of UB's Farm Helidon with his cherry tomatoes on sale at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Kadin Rickert and Anna Joerg with fresh fruit from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.

Brisbane visitors Chi Tang with dad Jim Tang and mum Melanie Liu get some vegetable seedlings to plant from the Toowoomba Farmers Markets.