The call has gone out to Brisbane and Gold Coast “city slickers” to join this year’s Merry Muster and do your Christmas shopping in regional Queensland.
The Merry Muster is ready to head off for the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt, spreading some much needed festive cheer and shopping dollars on Saturday the 4th of December. Guests will take to the streets and be able to spend up knowing they are supporting regional Queenslanders, who have been doing it tough with fire, floods, drought and of course, COVID-19.
The Merry Muster founder Kristin Bonner says this year’s event is set to be even larger and more impactful than previous events.
“With 56 people contributing more than $17,000 into the Western Downs region in 2019, and 350 people contributing more than $114,000 into the communities of Warwick and Stanthorpe in December 2020, I can only imagine the impact that this year’s 500 Merry Musterteers will bring to the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt, not just financially but also emotionally.
“It’s a completely joyous day as we get to meet and talk to so many small bush business owners and locals and show that we do care – we may be from ‘the city’ but we care.”
The first stop on the Merry Muster itinerary will be Summer Land Camels in the beautiful Scenic Rim, a picturesque camel farm that will play host to a huge Christmas market filled to the brim with makers, bakers, creators, and growers from all around the area.
Enjoy a gourmet morning tea, get a selfie with a camel or even take a ride on one!
Plus, take time to explore the onsite shop full of goodies or listen as Paul from Summer Land gives us some personal insights into the farm and what daily life involves to keep such a property running.
Grab lunch from one of the many onsite foodie vendors (at your own expense) before jumping back on the bus and heading to the Granite Belt Christmas Farm in Applethorpe where our event partner, Buy From The Bush QLD, will be hosting a boutique market featuring some of the many bush businesses they proudly promote.
“I’m so excited that our The Merry Muster will have the opportunity to support multiple small businesses thanks to the wonderful work of Kerri Brennan and Buy From The Bush QLD, which will bring businesses from all over Queensland to one location.
“Some of these bush businesses are from as far away as Longreach,” said Kristin.
Upon arrival at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, recharge with a delicious afternoon tea complete with a glass of bubbles, then shop till you drop, explore the farm’s huge onsite Christmas store, feed some of Santa’s animals or explore the Christmas tree forest before heading home.
Tickets are $100 per person which includes a full-day itinerary, gourmet local produce morning tea, a Merry Muster shopping tote bag, delicious afternoon tea including a glass of bubbles, wine tasting, a donation to two chosen charities on the day and luxury air-conditioned coach transport.
Plus, all attendees will go into the draw to win some seriously fabulous lucky guest prizes supplied by this year’s generous sponsors including Spicers Retreats and Lolita’s Pearls.
The Merry Muster guests are also encouraged to bring an empty esky and ice which they can fill with fresh local produce and wines, Departure points include Brisbane (Hamilton and Jindalee) and the Gold Coast (Ashmore).
