A cold night out with the family at Menangle Park

A cold night at Menangle Park has not stopped families coming out in big numbers for the night markets for a great night of entertainment and tucker.

The retail section of the night markets at Menangle Park had a range of goods for patrons to purchase in the cold brisk evening. Everyone was rugged up  against the light breeze that sprang up. (I Willis)

There are a range of food stalls from BBQ, Asian, Middle Eastern, along with a selection of dessert stalls for the customers to choose from.

The market also had a small range of retail stalls and a slide for the children.

A DJ played music over the PA to keep the atmosphere moving along.

Patrons enjoy some great tucker at the night markets at Menangle Park to the rocking music from the DJ. There was a range of food stalls ranging across BBQ to Asian and Middle Eastern and others. Lucky ones grabbed a chair and table early and did not have to nurse their plate on the knees. (I Willis)

Spread around the grounds were chairs and tables which were quickly filled up ere spread around the ground with some heaters to keep the chill away for those lucky enough to sit beside one.

The turning point at an argyle affair provides a sense of place

A sunny brisk day attracted a crowd at a market day with a difference that was recently held at the historic backdrop of the Camden show hall and grounds.

Signage in Argyle Street outside the show pavilion encouraged patrons to leave a donation for the 2017 charity of choice for event organisers Brooke and Peta. The rustic notice fitted the atmospherics of the historic showground and hall which is the site of  Camden's famous annual rural festival, the Camden Show.. (1 Willis)

The scarves and beanies were out at the third year of the market day for The Argyle Affair which was held over a recent weekend. 

A great day for hipsters, grandparents, young families and friends at this great local event.

Live and local entertainment from young song writers and singers was provided in the marquee. The stage provided an opportunity for young and up-and-coming musos to do their stuff and show their wares to their adoring fans - even if they were rusted on family members.

Local up-and-coming artists and 'aspiring performers' always welcome the support and opportunity of a stage to hone their craft. You never know which one of these young hopefuls will be the next famous Australian artist on the international circuit in the entertainment industry. And you saw them here first. (I Willis)

There were ample pop-up food stalls that offered a range of hot delicacies from pulled beef to wholesome soup and others. Even the food stalls are sustainable these days with solar panels generating power-have panel will travel-anywhere.

The Argyle Affair was originally started in 2015  as the brainwave of local organisers Brooke and Peta who felt that local artisans needed a platform for their wares. Their website states:

The Argyle Affair was born from a shared passion to bring the community together to create a positive, creative event and supporting local charities. We felt that Camden needed a platform to showcase local & surrounds, makers, artists and performers. It was time that Camden had their time to SHINE!

There were around 25 stalls in the show hall and outside. By lunchtime there were lots of folk moving through the show pavilion.

Event organisers Brooke and Peta gave the historic 1890s AH&I Hall a lift with their artistic touch and appropriate greenery which took the edge off the rustic nature of the show pavilion. I wonder how many patrons really understood the importance of this room to the history of the town and it rural surrounds. (I Willis) 

The promoters state on the website that they were looking for edgy product and artisan crafts with a point of difference and a 'wow factor'.

We are looking for evidence of personal contribution in design, make or collaboration of the product. High quality products that display outstanding workmanship. We are on the hunt for unique products and services that push the design envelope.

Stallholders were certainly up to mark.

The artisan crafts and stalls were a great fit with the rural atmospherics provided by the historic show pavilion. The hall has held hundreds of community events just like The ArgyleAffair since its opening in the 1890s as a military drill hall for the Camden Rifles. The hall and these events are a central part of Camden's sense of place and identity.  (I Willis)

The Argyle Affair sponsor a local charity and this year it was 'Turning Point' who are a Camden based-comunity welfare centre in John Street. Turning Point state on their website:

We aim to provide a safe and confidential environment where we can offer assistance, providing welfare services such as emergency food relief, advocacy, document assistance, phone access, and computer availability with free Wi-Fi.

Market goers were asked for a gold coin admission or hand in an item of food that went to Turning Point.

Business with a heart in this display brightens up an otherwise drab and dark space and  usually unused part of the show hall pavilion. A great rustic and authentic touch that was framed by the show hall doors.  A simple statement of intent by event organisers about how they view The Argyle Affair. (I Willis)

Another great initiative by Camden locals who have combined business acumen with a heart.

For more information

Turning Point @ 80 John Street, Camden. 02 4655 1567
The Argyle Affair

AnnanRoma 2017 at the Botanic Gardens Mount Annan draws big crowds

AnnanRoma 2017 at the Botanic Gardens Mount Annan draws big crowds.

The annual food festival AnnanRoma 2017 in its 10th year draws big crowds. The experience again met the expectations of Macarthur foodies and provided an enjoyable day for all attending. Lots  were still arriving after lunchtime with a constant stream of cars.

The overcast morning cleared up with lots of sun to brighten the saddest souls, with only a few clouds rolling in around lunchtime.

The festival held at The Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan was attended by thousands of keen Macarthur foodies eager to try to the offering from stalls run by local food outlets.

The foods stalls  was  set out along the roadway adjacent to the cafe and shop precinct. There were 32 vendors and as well as children's experiences running from 10.00am to 4.00pm,

There was Eat Street with gourmet hamburgers, chicken, sushi, noodles and other tempting dishes to try with local wines and beers.

The sweet tooth was looked after on Sweet Street with ice cream, pastries, chocolate strawberries, macarons, and berries with local coffees and teas.

The long queues at some of the food stalls did not deter any folk, while exercise the patience of some.

Music was provided at Lakeside stage and in the Connections Garden with a host of local talent.

The kids were looked after with Nature Play, Bush Tucker, Eco Art and Whose Poo, where you could guess who goes in must come out. Which garden visitor does this poo belong to?

The success matched the experience in 2016 when some stalls sold out and over 11,000 people attended from all over the Sydney area from far away including Mosman, Manly, Hills District and the Northern Beaches.

The success of today's event was not dampened by the rain that caused the postponement from early April. Botanic Garden's experience manager Rebecca Anderson predicted correctly the large crowds would enjoy the culinary delights.

Ms Anderson said that the festival experience had a stunning reputation that ensured the huge crowds will return in future.