Andrea Butler started her culinary journey from scratch. With a love for baking, a home kitchen and not much else, she worked hard to hone her craft.
These days, Andrea is a celebrated baker and volunteer judge for the Country Women’s Association (CWA). Although she’s enjoyed the journey, she admits a little limelight early on would have gone a long way.
In an effort to give other home bakers a chance to showcase their passion for quality sweet treats, Andrea built a nationwide baker’s platform: bakesale.
“bakesale benefits home bakers, their customers and their region by encouraging shoppers to look closer to home. Locally made goods are fresher and more likely to be made from local ingredients, which supports other producers in the area,” Andrea says.
“It also creates a more personal buyer’s experience, which can make all the difference, especially for those catering for dietary restrictions or an extra special event.”
Functioning as both a directory and marketplace, bakesale recommends certified bakers by location, allowing customers to browse for a qualified business, view goods and place orders on one site.
Canberra’s best baker artisans will be at this year’s Canberra Fair on Sunday 30 July, with a 10-metre spread of their most versatile creations. The showcase will bring together a curated selection of talented home bakers under one roof for the first time.
“bakesale’s attendance at the upcoming Canberra Fair will give our bakers the chance to network, and show off their expertise, creativity and quality,” Andrea says.
“It’s an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to try some samples and meet potential suppliers for their next event. And it’s not just us – there will be loads of other foodies there, each with their own passion and dedication to their craft.
“Canberra Fair is a fantastic celebration of locals leading their niches, and we are thrilled to be taking part.”
READ MORE: Canberra Fair comes home – a look at what to expect at this year’s event
Designed to showcase ‘inspiration for any occasion’, the Canberra Fair brings together creatives of all kinds from across the region to the National Convention Centre.
Indoors, the Exhibition Hall highlights over 100 providers to suit weddings, shows, travel and lifestyle. If you’re putting on an event, there will be a business at the expo for you.
Culinary artistry explodes on the terrace outside at the Foodie Fair. Alongside bakesale will be other lovers of the sweet, savoury and spicy such as Aleksandra Cup & Cake, BZB Burgers, Dada, Jarochos and Peachee.
Entertainers in music, dance and more will also be out in full force. The lineup so far includes Aerial Sport artists, local musicians Smooth Ops, a huge set up by South Coast Tipis, Love Boat Canberra, and styling extravagance by Show Pony Events.
Canberra Fair co-host and founder of food sharer Experience Eats, Russell Evans, shares his pride for the popular event.
“There are fantastic events out there, but what we do better than most is create a spectacle,” he says.
“We also love to support new businesses by welcoming them into the Canberra business scene, and boy, do we have some amazing newcomers this year.”
The Canberra Fair takes place on Sunday 30 July from 10 am to 3 pm at the National Capital Convention Centre. To find out more, register for your chance to win a hamper full of prizes or purchase VIP tickets, visit the Canberra Fair website.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Riotact.