Celebrations continued as La Fiera put on a cultural Sunday market

LAST weekend saw Myrtleford kick off La Fiera in earnest, with huge crowds, joyous music, delicious food and drink and entertainment lined up for all. Following ‘La Festa’ on Saturday, celebrations continued with ‘Il Mercato’ on Sunday morning to add an Italian flair to the town's monthly market. An almost overwhelming number of people attended, as lines for some stalls were so long they blocked foot-traffic within the Piazza. The atmosphere of 'Il Mercato' truly made Myrtleford into an Italian village for the day, as attendees spoke in Italian as they walk past, danced with gusto to the ‘Top Shelf Duo’: Dean Canan and Lisa Asta's musical performances and enjoyed the beautiful autumn sunshine, while digging-in to delectable local treats. “It’s definitely busier than our monthly farmers’ markets," Darren Edwards from the Microgreens stall said. “You don’t need to know how to speak Italian, you can enjoy the atmosphere. “It’s a lovely autumn day to have a festival." The Humphries family from Melbourne decided to drop in to attend their first La Fiera, while visiting family in Bright. “We've only just arrived; it’s all new and exciting," Justine Humphries said. "We definitely want to go to the Old School Museum and check out the displays." Mark Humphries said they had just enjoyed 'the best sausage rolls and pies they have ever eaten'. "We'll go and tell the stallholder that on our way past," he said. La Fiera spokesperson, John Costenaro, said attendees have embraced the whole weekend. "I see people have come back again after 'La Festa' yesterday," he said. "We’re very pleased with the marked increase in visitation from locals and especially elsewhere. "We’ve been told peripheral towns have had their hotels booked-out this weekend. “I’m confident to say that we’ve had 5000 people attend over the weekend, across all events. "That level of visitation has created a lot of economic stimulus for the town and surrounds, which is a good thing as people are staying on and enjoying their time in our region. "We've received overwhelming support on social media. "Of course, the La Fiera committee will very shortly be starting to plan for next year. "We’ll build from here and keep a similar format, however, we'll look to freshen up and surprise the community with new events. "We’re very grateful for all the volunteers who have helped; it really makes the festival, the event would not occur without them."

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