Kin Kin on the first Sunday morning of the month, and what a place to be.
Calm, serene, picturesque and the sound of music in the air as people grab a coffee or a fresh-squeezed juice.
August showers burst through sunlit skies.
The markets take place in the beautiful surrounds of the recreation reserve.
At the entrance is the enticing smell of fresh-baked sourdough bread that immediately reminded me of growing up on the farm and bringing a fresh loaf up to the house from the mailbox on the road.
The bread had been delivered by the baker and by the time a young boy had brought it up to the house there would be a big hole eaten right into it.
That was my introduction to the Kin Kin Market as well, to see one of the little boys picking away at this fresh sourdough bread.
There’s something for everyone here each month, and in such a relaxed environment – music, food, and all sorts of artisan craft and local produce from the Gympie, Cooloola and Noosa hinterland areas.
One couldn’t help but have the soul lifted by the effervescent characters such as the children’s entertainer Mark of Joyology, gathering the children throughout the market by spreading bubbles.
There was joy everywhere he went.
We met Mark again later with Milly as they introduced the children to Rainbow – the rain sticks made out of PVC piping and coloured in rainbow ribbons.
The whole market benefitted from the ambience created by two young brothers, Frank and Louis, playing acoustic guitars in similar style to Angus and Julia Stone.
The boys had delightful voices that floated serenely through the market crowds.
The stallholders were a combination of long-term regular market stall holders and brand-new – some only established for two months.
Artisans, who were displaying beautifully designed products that had been produced locally with their own hands and hearts.
It was inspiring to see the passion they brought to their products and the meaning behind what they are attempting to establish.
There was a strong element of keeping it local, keeping it within the community.
And the stallholders were happy to talk about their produce because they were so proud of it.
Families wandered through the market with happy relaxed, children, searching for food, of course, and appearing, seemingly happy to find their own space under a tree or in a tent or among the other children playing home-made colourful musical instruments on the hill.
What a beautiful thing to see, one of our smaller townships come to life in such a meaningful and community-spirited way. It was a really unique and uplifting experience, and the perfect start to a Sunday.
