Seasons of New England Expo Director, Tara Toomey was inspired in 2014 to develop Seasons of New England after witnessing small local businesses getting lost in the landscape.
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Some local business owners, such as Stephen Dobson from Dobson's Distillery near Kentucky, have attended every single Seasons Expo, while others, such as Richard Daugherty from Balala Station and Michael Burge from The Makers Shed, have set up on three and seven occasions, respectively.
All said they wouldn't miss the Expo for the world.
"In the same way the Easter Show or Ag-quip are important to the agricultural industry, the Seasons of New England Expo is important to New England businesses," Mr Dobson said.
"It's a showcase for businesses that are spread around this entire region, and what it does is give us a point of focus where we all come together and show what the highlands are capable of.
"That's the thing about it I really love, when you walk around the arena, on the day it is full of amazing products, amazing artisans and on another day they would be separated by miles.
"In a way Seasons has become like our High Street. A place where we can all come together and have all our products on show and, just as importantly, network with many of the incredible businesses that call New England home."
The Expo has gone from strength to strength in the decade it has been in operation and for the first time ever, the Expo will run across two massive days with more than 160 artisans, producers and businesses already confirmed.
Over 7000 people turned out to Hampden Park in Uralla in 2024 and organisers are expecting a greater attendance for 2025.
"I think it is the best artisanal expo I can think of outside a major city and we have been to plenty over the years," author, journalist and publisher Michael Burge, said.
"It's certainly the best artisanal experience for buyers as well as creators.
"It's been growing steadily ever since we started going. There are so many unknown factors in the world of business in 2025, with operators needing a strong online presence as well as a physical presence, so for the Seasons Expo to have this kind of perennial consistency to it year in and year out, well, that's almost invaluable."
Mr Burge said in his experience, the Expo attracts huge crowds 'rain, hail or shine' and continues to expand its range of artisans who are selling.
He said it's no surprise the Expo has expanded to two days.
"Tara is always great at ensuring both sides of the artisanal/ business equation are catered for."
Mr Daugherty said in the years he has attended the Expo, there is a strong showing of community unison and support.
"There is a community of spirit at Seasons you would be hard-pressed to find at many other markets or expos, especially of this size," he said.
"There is a real feeling of pride being a part of something like this.
"The entire community benefits, it's such an important event for being able to showcase our region and regional work and products."
Seasons of New England is on Saturday, March 29 from 9am - 5pm and Sunday, March 30 from 8am - 2pm.
Heath Forsyth
New England journalist covering all manner of issues social, political, sports, business. Please feel free to get in touch with me directly heath.forsyth@austcommunitymedia.com.au Mobile: 0407 410 222
New England journalist covering all manner of issues social, political, sports, business. Please feel free to get in touch with me directly heath.forsyth@austcommunitymedia.com.au Mobile: 0407 410 222
