Shepparton is gearing up for the Fryers Street Food Festival.
The festival’s director and co-ordinator, Jamie Lea, emphasised that this one-day celebration only happens once a year, and this year, it is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, from 4pm to 10pm.
Ms Lea said her “biggest motivation” for the event is “bringing everybody together to the CBD showing off what makes the heart of Shepparton tick and giving the CBD traders, especially the foodies an opportunity to showcase to thousands of visitors as well as the locals”.
The festival, owned by Greater Shepparton City Council, has been coordinated by Ms Lea through her business JL Productions and Hire since 2019.
Boasting over 45 food trucks from all over Victoria and even a few making the journey from interstate, the festival is designed to complement the CBD traders.
This year introduces a new layout, ensuring an even more enjoyable and accessible experience.
Ms Lea said she is passionate about accessibility, a feature she believes is even more crucial post-COVID-19 pandemic as people appreciate having space to enjoy themselves.
The festival will expand its footprint, using more of Maude St and, for the first time, closing Corio St.
“It’s definitely bigger again because we’ve got that extra road,” Ms Lea said.
“I want prams and scooters and, you know, accessibility devices and people in wheelchairs to feel comfortable and safe.”
The set-up includes 100 tables and 1000 chairs on Fryers St to celebrate the year-round local offerings.
This year, there’s an addition of deluxe Fryers St seating, offering a prime view right at the intersections as opposed to the regular seating in car parks.
Those interested in this upgraded experience can reserve a table through the festival website.
Ms Lea said the festival is a family-friendly event for everyone to reconnect before Christmas, with the bonus of free entry.
However, she also said that it was only possible with the support of sponsors, including its major sponsor, SPC, and silver sponsor, Shepparton BMW and MINI Garage.
“Locals supporting locals is the best part about this,” Ms Lea said.
To ensure the festival’s smooth running and engage with the local community, Ms Lea also called for volunteers.
She mentioned the opportunity to gain insight into event life and to contribute to the community event.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get an understanding of volunteering, but also event life,” she said.
The planning aims to ensure that post-festival, the CBD can revert to its regular set-up by Sunday morning.
Ms Lea said the festival is not just a feast for the taste buds but a celebration of local camaraderie, a call to explore ‘our backyard’ as Ms Lea puts it, and a hearty toast to the indomitable spirit of Shepparton.
For more information, to reserve a table, sign up to be a volunteer or be a busker, visit fryersstreetfoodfestival.com.au