Balingup News

Summer heralds the stone fruit season for which this area is well known. Cherries, apricots peaches and nectarines are finished and plums are ripening on the trees. Our chestnut trees have chestnuts developing in their burrs and the Balingup Brook has ceased flowing. Most daytime temperatures have continued to be mild to warm, with the night air being clean and crisp and the occasional cool night still occurs. The view from the cottage has altered with the season as the hills are covered with dry yellow grass and the animals are fed on hay.

Wonderful scenery, arts and crafts, wine, olives, fruit and cheeses are just some of the things you will find in the Balingup area. The months ahead look very exciting with events in Balingup and surrounds that should provide much fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Over the long weekend Friday 26th February to Monday 1st March the town of Nannup comes alive with performers from across the world for the annual Music Festival. 2010 will be the 21st Festival. This year there is a wonderful line up up of great performers including John Butler, Harry James Angus, Liz Stringer, Eleanor Mc Evoy. Enjoy music, poetry, dance and street theatre will ensure there is something for everyone.

The bi-annual Apple Festival held in Donnybrook over the Easter weekend, will be held on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th April 2010. Parades, wines, food and wine along with fun and games for all should provide another good weekend.

Make a note that the Balingup small Farm Field Day is to be held on Saturday April 24th this year and scarecrows will begin to appear around Balingup town at the beginning of April and over Easter.

On most weekends there is either a gardeners' or farmers' market near Balingup. Some market dates are:

***See note below
Boyanup & Districts Farmers' Market: 4th Sunday of each month (8am - 12noon) Bridgetown River Markets: August 23rd then every second Sunday (7am)
Lions Markets - Capel: Held on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays (12noon - 3pm)
Collie Country Market: Held on the 1st Saturday each month
Manjimup Markets: Held on the 2nd Sunday each month
Manjimup Farmers Market: Every third Saturday (8am to 12 noon)
Nannup Markets: Every second Saturday (9am - 12noon)
Nirvana Herbs and Garden Market - Donnybrook: Every Saturday (9am - 5pm)

Balingup does have some hot days in summer, but the nights generally cool down nicely, so that a doona or blanket is still usually required. If you wish to relax, slow down and maybe have a dip in one of the local swimming holes during the day and sleep well at night in the peace and quiet of the country, then summer is a wonderful time of year to visit Balingup.