Summerland Farm’s Winter Food Festival gets mouths watering

Bursts of laughter from excited children, wintery sunshine and lots of full bellies filled Aruma’s Summerland Farm grounds for its second Winter Food Festival, held Saturday, July 13. 

Some 4000 foodies flocked to our farm to enjoy delicious cuisine from around the globe. Festival goers got a chance to burn off some calories with a game of laser tag and by dancing to tunes from live musical acts across the day. 

On the main stage, festival goers were serenaded by the tunes of acclaimed singer/songwriter, author and disability advocate Eliza Hull, Ballina local Keegan Sparke, and local gypsy swing jazz band, Acid Bleed. A second stage featured family-friendly magic shows from Shorty Brown, which was a HUGE hit with the littler festival-goers, Eliza’s book signing and reading, and delicious Summerland Farm cooking demonstrations.  

Summerland Farm Site Events Lead Lauren Flint described the festival as a wonderful success, with locals and visitors alike clearly enjoying every moment. 

It was a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere, with fresh bursts of excitement from children dancing and enjoying Shorty Brown’s magic show and her roving entertainment, plus you could hear competitive shouts, ducks and weaves from festival goers playing the very popular laser tag,” Lauren said.

People were loving a range of food stalls, especially Dumpling Master, OMG Donut, Tepanyaki Noodles, Xtreme Ice cream & Gelati, and Pocket Curries.

Summerland Farm cooking demonstrations were enjoyed immensely, by children and adults alike.

Later in the evening, Acid Bleed shifted the mood to a wonderful jazzy feel, with dancing and lights and the perfect sunset.

Lauren says our farm is already thinking about what’s in store for next year’s Winter Food Festival.  

We think we’ll add more laser tag tickets next year, as that was so popular!” she said.

We’ll also investigate adding more cooking demonstrations throughout the day, as people really enjoyed them. They showcased our amazing restaurant team and shared skills and food with the community.