Foodie Night Markets allowed space at Orange Showground | Map

The market has been given the go-ahead to use Orange Showground for its first market in February, which will feature a foodie festival, family activities and rides with free entry.

Further monthly bookings will be managed by Orange City Council staff. 

Councillors voiced their concern the market’s profits would leave the region. 

Councillor Russell Turner said there was a limit to how many markets the community would support.

“There are enough food markets, Rotary markets, you’ve got markets at East Orange school, you’ve got markets at Cargo Public School, the farmers markets, you’ve got the Millthorpe Markets,” he said.

“This is a firm from Sydney, any profits they make go back to Sydney whereas East Orange it goes to the school, Rotary goes to principally local projects.

“It’s taking money from somewhere, and that’s the Rotaries and schools.”

Councillor Joanne McRae said the event was low-risk for the council and residents wanted more activities, particularly for families.

“If people don’t want it, they won’t go and they won’t spend their money and these operators will go elsewhere,” she said.

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