Local is lekker at Burnedale farmers market

Organic food lovers and market fanatics will be happy to hear that Burnedale has built a fully covered market that will bring fresh produce and homemade goods to the North Coast.
This weekend farmers will pack into the newly built Burnedale Farmer’s Market to give locals a taste of lekker local food, goods and arts and crafts.
Umhlali residents Jayden Blesovsky and Guy Milstead have established the first covered market at Burnedale in Umhlali which will be open for business on Saturday, May 17.
The men are childhood friends and have lived in Umhlali most of their lives. After hearing that many vendors are looking for a place to sell their goods, they jumped at the opportunity.
They recently finished construction of the covered market and 25 3×3 metre stalls offer plenty of space. “We will cater for homegrown food, arts and goods. We do not want anything that is imported,” said Blesovsky.
Milstead’s father, Barry, believes there is a real renaissance of a market culture much like some European countries that have village markets every weekend.
“There is a need to get closer to the producer. Now you can come face to face with the person who has grown or produced the goods you are buying,” he said.
The market will be child friendly as Burnedale has a big playground and professional child minders. Families will be able to browse at their leisure without worrying about their little ones.
For farmers and local goods producers, setting up a stall only costs R250 and each stall has access to water and electricity. You can simply set up in the morning, sell your goods and pack up. “We will have a service to clean up after the market, so the whole process is easy for stall owners,” said Milstead.
The market will run from 8am until 1pm on Saturday and most of the stalls have already been booked.
“We are a bit nervous but really looking forward to it,” said Blesovsky.
The first market will be a tester, but there are plans for live music, beer festivals and other events in the future.