Northward Bound! Just beyond the flannelette curtain was abuzz with energy and activity yesterday as the suburb of Moonah experienced an extraordinary transformation for the ‘To the North Market’! Albert Road was transformed from a regular, busy old throughway road into a hive of activity and a winter wonderland market.
Now in its third edition, the To the North Market took place along Moonah’s Albert Rd and despite some chilly conditions with it being the first weekend of this year’s winter, people were everywhere. It seems the chilly weather did nothing to deter the morning crowd from embracing the frosty conditions and reveling in the festivities. I mean, who needs warmth when you have hot deals to snatch up and steaming cups of coffee and food to warm the soul, right?
Lucy Baker, the market organizer and owner of the beloved St Albi Bar + Eatery, spoke with the Mercury about the event and the early morning madness that goes into creating this spectacle. She and her team bravely started setting up at the ungodly hour of 3am, with the first brave food trucks making their appearance at 4:30am. It’s truly impressive how they built this mini-market city in the middle of Albert Rd, Moonah. It’s like watching a bustling metropolis rise from the asphalt, where food trucks serve as noble caravans traversing the urban landscape.
What really sets this market apart is the incredible array of performances throughout the day. You can tap your feet to the tunes of the Glenorchy City Brass Band, feel the rhythmic beats of the Taiko Drummers, and get your groove on with Hugo Bladel and Gus Leighton during their epic ‘Off Ya Trolley’ disco segment.
Where else can you boogie down while browsing artisanal crafts and mouth-watering treats? This event takes multitasking to a whole new level!
When the market first debuted in 2021, it had a humble 45 stallholders. This year, it boasted nearly 80, proving that with some TLC and good word of mouth that a community can rally together to create something really special that continues to grow and grow. Lucy explained that this all started with an initiative called Showcase by the Glenorchy City Council. They aimed to bring people out and activate the suburbs after the pandemic, and boy, did they succeed! The market gained such a devoted following that it’s now an eagerly anticipated community affair.
The stalls at To The North Market are a treasure trove of unique offerings. From delectable treats to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone. Despite the chilly morning, the morale among the market-goers is incredibly high. It’s heartwarming to witness how this event brings the community together, turning strangers into friends, and transforming a simple market into a thriving hub of camaraderie.
One particular stall that caught our attention was the Sage and Lilly Coffee Caravan… those who know us at 4one4, are also aware that we are friends for anything Caffeinated! But the other amazing thing was, we had only just spent the previous afternoon with the crew and their Caravan at our Agent, Aaron Murray & John McGregor’s, Auction on Chapel Street.
Additionally, after our recent visit to the Philippines, we were indulging in the tantalizing flavors of Filipino street food, particularly the mouthwatering Lumpia. Our offshore team had been raving about it, and we couldn’t contain our excitement to try it out, so the moment we heard that To The North Market would feature a stall offering authentic Filipino cuisine, including Lumpia, our taste buds danced with anticipation. We eagerly lined up, and as soon as we took our first bite, The combination of crispy, golden-brown wrappers and savoury fillings was pure bliss. It’s amazing how food can connect people across continents, and that’s precisely what To The North Market embodies—a fusion of cultures and flavours that unite us all in the joy of good food and shared experiences.
As the day unfolded, the Moonah suburb was abuzz with laughter, delicious aromas, and a sense of unity that only a community event can foster. To The North Market proved once again that even in the coldest of temperatures, warmth can be found when people come together with a shared love for food, entertainment, and supporting local businesses. It’s a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Moonah community.
So, if you find yourself in the northern suburbs during the first week of winter, make sure to bundle up and head to To The North Market. Who knows what magic awaits you amidst the bustling streets of Moonah?
