Late Night Korumburra delights

THE VALUE of a strong local Business Association was on show at the spectacularly successful ‘Late Night Korumburra’ on Friday.

Music, food, shopping, and a vibrant social atmosphere ensured a great night out, the evening including the official opening of the Warren Studio gallery and a celebration of the fifth birthday of The Hare & Tortoise Books.

The gallery, in the bookshop’s original home, is run by artist Rachel Warren, her mixed medium work adorning its walls, featuring collage, assemblage and found objects.

She will continue to run kids art classes and other workshops which she began in May, with journalling and adult art classes also planned.

“It’s wonderful to see such vibrancy in the town,” Cr Bron Beach was heard telling Ms Warren while visiting the gallery.

The Hare & Tortoise Books was doing a roaring trade, this scribe having to wait for a photo of the busy staff with a birthday cake made by owner Hilary Sullivan.

Shoppers enjoyed her delicious mini cupcakes as they browsed.

The Burra Pantry and Larder greeted people with tastings of wine, cheese and olive oil.

It was a proud moment for John and Sophie Leonard of Kardella Estate Olives as they showcased their Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

“It’s a family dream come true to be able to commercialise it,” Mr Leonard said, a decade after the initial decision to plant olive trees.

Shoppers dipped crusty bread into the olive oil.

“It’s 80 per cent Frantoio and 20 percent Coratina; they’re both Italian varieties well known for their oil content and the Coratina for its pepperiness, so the blend is a nice robust oil and it’s won a Gold Medal at the Australian Golden Olive Awards,” Mr Leonard said, with that honour bestowed this year.

Lisa Jenkins of Fleet Wines offered tastings of Leongatha Pinot Noir, as well as a white sparkling wine made from red grapes known as a Blanc de Noir, and a skin-contact Pinot Gris that displayed a delightful pink hue.

Shopper Linda Morley browsed The Burra Pantry with friend Karen Sorrell, remarking on the town’s evening shopping event, “I think it’s a great idea, especially when it’s a nice day like today, and it brings people out,” Ms Sorrell saying it’s good for those who work during normal business hours.

People ventured to The Coterie in tremendous numbers, savouring tasty meals and drinks accompanied by live music.

Sentinel-Times explored Korumburra Makers and Collectors, the large space housing the creations of various locals who all spend time volunteering in the shop, speaking to Korumburra’s Shirley Osman about her Kricklewood Soaps and other products.

The soaps contain ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and sunflower oil, with Ms Osman also producing products such as lip balms, air fresheners, candles and all-purpose cleaners.

Korumburra Makers and Collectors has a wide selection of goods, including craft items and jewellery.

This scribe wrapped up a splendid evening listening to the folk music of Tessa Hubble and EJ van Geest who mainly perform their own songs, the duo known as Emerald By-Law.

They performed at Black Creek Music, owned by husband and wife Richard and Anne Hall, the business offering instruments from local makers such as Maton, Jack Spira, Wallace Brown and Joe Brady, with Mr Hall crafting his own violins.

Thanks to Korumburra Business Association and the town’s businesses for a memorable evening.