Tasmanian foodies rejoice in backyard at annual Taste of Huon

The Taste of Huon didn’t disappoint Tasmanian sisters on their annual family ritual, alongside many others who savoured the moment celebrating the region’s best offerings. See the photos >>

Taste of the Huon, sisters Pam Kelly, Susan Mace and Jan Watson at Ranelagh. Picture: Chris Kidd

There’s nothing like home for sisters born and bred in Tasmania celebrating Taste of the Huon.

With a smorgasbord of food, wine and music, Hobart sisters Pam Kelly, Susan Mace and Jan Watson spent the day lounging on a picnic rug in a foodie’s paradise at Ranelagh on Saturday.

“We love listening to the music and the food – tasting different foods. Jan’s a bit of a plain eater, but Pam and I like to try different foods,” Susan said.

Pam added, “The flatbreads with the scallops were wonderful.”

PHOTOS: Taste of the Huon thrills foodies

VIEW GALLERY

Heading out to celebrate the Huon Valley has become a family ritual, with the sisters saying the event is bigger and better than previous years.

“We have some amazing festivals but this one every year is always good,” Jan said.

Pam said they’ve made more accommodations this year with extra tables and chairs under umbrellas.

“There’s a bit more protection from the sun if it was going to be a hot sunny day,” she said.

“Especially after yesterday, we were a bit concerned about what to wear today.”

The sisters said the festival was all about acknowledging and celebrating the locals and what they produce.

“We take for granted what we’ve got on our back doorsteps,” Pam said. “We’ve lived in other places but there’s nothing like home.”

Bjorn Again perform at the Taste of the Huon, Ranelagh. Picture: Chris Kidd

Thousands of Tasmanians enjoyed more than 80 stallholders from Huon’s famous apples and salmon to mushrooms, berries, truffles, oysters, wine and craft beer. Proceeds of the event go to a variety of local hardworking community groups.

Dozens of children were playing with bubbles from The Balloon Lady’s station at the festival.

“The weather’s been wonderful for the bubbles. It’s a little windy but not too windy. Not too sunny so they don’t evaporate so fast,” Balloon Lady Melinda Gonzalez said.

“I’m a teacher, so letting the kids just play and not boss them around and making them sit down, it’s like it’s such a joy.

“This is what kids are supposed to be doing – playing.”

Hundreds of people were dancing to ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again, with many excited to see Tasmania brothers The Wolfe Brothers.

Visiting from Western Australia, Dannii Devenny and her two children Piper, 7, and Tate, 6, decided to drop into the event, last minute.

“We didn’t plan on coming, we just saw signs driving into Huonville,” Ms Devenny said.

“It’s pretty cool. I’m so excited to try everything. I know the kids are excited for the rides.”