The region’s biggest and best celebration of New England made goods returns on Saturday March 23, with the event now boasting over a hundred exhibitors, thousands of visitors, and multiple side events.
The only event of its kind, the Expo showcases the unique character of the New England, through the products that are made here and the wonderful people who make them. A concept that has been championed for over 10 years now, it first got underway in 2014 when Tara Toomey decided to create a showcase event that celebrated exclusively, all the products that were made in the New England region.
“Fast forward to 2024 and Seasons of New England has expanded to include the annual expo, an online store, unique dining experiences and our very own retail space in Uralla,” Tara said.
New additions for the event this year include an Expo Eve Dinner at the Alternative Root in Uralla, and a community barbecue to be held after the expo and before the Uralla Arts Lantern Parade gets underway on the Saturday night. Live music will again be a feature throughout the day, and into the night, wrapping up around 9.30pm.
Also new this year, for those who can’t make the trip to Uralla – you can also find the Seasons of New England team in the Woolworths Food Dome at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, from 22nd March to 2nd April inclusive.
Old this year is that the event will be returning home to Hampden Park, rather than at the Uralla Showgrounds. Crowds are expected to be bigger than ever, with high expectations that last years figures of some 7000 through the gates will be surpassed. And despite the huge numbers of people, Tara and the team are fully committed to their policy of having the smallest environmental footprint possible.
“It has always been important to us to be an event that benefits our community, and the small businesses we love to work with.”
“We wouldn’t wish to be a burden on the environment, nor on our local landfill facility,” she said.
“From 2018, we took on the management of the waste entirely ourselves, carefully sourcing compostable cups, cutlery and garbage bags from Australian companies like BioPak and BioBag, and focusing on using as much being made out of cardboard, wood and paper as we could.”
A full 80% of the waste generated at the event is composted, 15% is recycled, and the remaining 5% of waste that has to go to landfill is less than a household wheelie bin. Bottled water and plastics are banned, all packaging must be compostable, and last year they introduced keep cups.
Seasons of New England will take place at Hampden Park Uralla, on the corner of King and Maitland Sts, on Saturday 23rd March from 9am – 5pm. Tickets are just $5 (kids under 14 are free) and available at the gate.
For more information on Seasons of New England visit www.seasonsofnewengland.com.au/
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