All The Fun Of The Fair
– Leura Harvest Festival brings back the good life!

By Kitty Von Tastique

With a dash of local produce, a pinch of chocolate, a scarecrow smile and the flutter of wings, Leura Harvest Festival, in the Blue Mountains of Australia is proving that people still love the 'good life'. 

Set on the cherry tree lined, main street of Leura, the festival is a smashing success for the region. With a strong focus on sustainability, the festival, now in its fourth year, has established itself as both a local and tourist attraction. Festival creator Barry Jarott was inspired by European harvest festivals and Australia's own vintage country shows from back-in-the-day, to create this family friendly event.

Last year the festival kicked off with a scarecrow competition, hosted by local nursery Birches of Leura. With every imaginable variation of scarecrow from the more traditional, to an eco-friendly version made entirely of trash, the competition showcased how much fun can be had reusing throwaway items to create something new. Prizes included plants and even an outdoor oven!

Beautiful brunch followed using delicious, fresh, seasonal produce at Lily's Pad Cafe before we went on to check out (and drool over) the amazing chocolate cake competition appropriately sponsored by Josophan's Fine Chocolates. Although we were out on the street, the smell of chocolate wafted temptingly in every direction. 

Soon after came the judging of the jam-making and the pet 'chook' show. The festival also included talks on food preserving, clean energy, permaculture, sustainable tourism, beekeeping and micro-farming for those inclined.

I was caught up browsing the fantastic artist and design stalls selling everything from illustrations, to seedlings, handmade clothes, candles and one of my favs, gingham beeswax food covers.

The entire festival and village of Leura clearly showcased why people still love the charm of vintage style fairs and it was a fabulous family day out. If this is what the good life looks like, then I am definitely in! 

This year the Leura Harvest Festival will be held on the 7th May 2017.

For more information check out the festival's Facebook Page

The writer attended as a guest of the festival.