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By Sally Dulson
The anticipated Savour the Flavour festival drew big crowds on Saturday with patrons feeling like a kid in a candy store. There was laughter, music, and the kind of joy that only comes when a community gathers to share good food. They say the way to people’s hearts is through food, and in the Hawkesbury, that’s especially true. Known as the food bowl of Sydney, our region proved it still holds that title with pride.
From the moment we walked through the gates, the atmosphere was alive. With hula-hooping stilt walkers, roving brass bands, face painting, craft workshops, kids rides, cooking demonstrations, and line dancing. Everywhere you turned there was something happening, and the energy of the crowd made it feel like the Hawkesbury (and beyond) had truly come together for a day of celebration.
1. Outragious Entertainment's Space Cowboys. 2. The Fruit Bowl's Margaret Tadrosse and her Toffee Apples
The crowd was thoroughly entertained by the apple pie-eating competition, with the Bilpin Fruit Bowl supplying the pies and helping to create another layer of fun throughout the day. Their team added to the festival spirit, walking through the crowds with old-fashioned “cigarette girl” style boxes, selling toffee apples. It was a nostalgic touch that gave the event extra charm and perfectly captured what Savour the Flavour was all about — bringing good food and good vibes straight to the people.
On the food stalls, there was something for everyone. From sizzling barbecue meats and woodfired pizzas to fresh lemonade, handmade chocolates, and vegan treats, the range of food stalls showcased the incredible diversity of local and regional producers. There were coffee roasters, ice cream carts, pastry stalls, local wineries, gin, and cider makers, and even a few sweet stands that had people coming back for seconds.
1. Candice Long's Candy's Cookies 2. The Farmers Wife's jams and preserves
Amid all this flavour and variety, I had the chance to chat with a few of the people behind the stalls. Candice Long, from Candy’s Cookies, had an impressive setup of homemade cookies. Freshly turned 18 and in the middle of her HSC at Hawkesbury High, Candy somehow found the time to bake everything from scratch!
This is the biggest festival I’ve ever done! - Candice Long said with pride.
Marana Aboriginal Community Association brought a taste of culture and creativity with kangaroo and crocodile skewers paired with lemon myrtle cheesecake and berry compote — a dish that celebrated Indigenous flavours and connection to country.
Over at The Farmer’s Wife, Jess Diaz showcased her homemade jams, preserves, lemon butter, and honey, most made with produce from the region ontop of what her mum grows in East Kurrajong.
“We grow our own mulberries and some other fruits and veggies, but if we need something extra, we just put a post on socials and see who wants to swap- fruit for jam.” - Jess Diaz
A beautiful reflection of the community spirit that defines the Hawkesbury.
Crosdales' BBQ team Chris Rogers, Adam Vaccaro, Russel Crosdales, Michael Gallagher & Brooke Organ
One of the biggest highlights of the day had to be Crosdales' BBQ, serving American-style barbecue that drew huge crowds. Their slow-cooked short ribs, pulled-pork burgers and cherry cola were delicious, and they completely sold out within two hours, a clear festival favourite.
Overall, it was a fantastic, well-organised event. The marketing was excellent, the Hawkesbrury City Council's Hawkesbury Events team did a brilliant job, and everywhere you looked, people were smiling. The only disappointment voiced by many was the news that Savour the Flavour may not return next year due to funding - According to a recent media release from Hawkesbury City Council, Savour the Flavour and Light Up Windsor will move to a biennial schedule beginning in 2026 - something the community would sorely miss annually. This event is a true showcase of why the Hawkesbury is such a special place.
