Taste of success at Fiesta La Peel

The tasty macarons Karen O’Brien bakes were such a success at Fiesta La Peel three years ago, her business Karen’s Macaroons has not looked back.

Karen and her French-style treats will be among the stallholders at the popular multicultural street festival again this year in Fitzroy Plaza and Bicentennial Park on Saturday 19 October from 4pm to 8.30pm. Council is now seeking interest from other stalls to add to the flavoursome mix.

Calala-based Karen started baking macarons as a hobby, but after thousands of people tasted her delicious creations at Fiesta La Peel it grew into a full-time job.

"It really took off after the exposure to Fiesta La Peel’s big crowds three years ago - people were excited to know macarons were being produced locally and we sold out," she said.

"Last year I had 1000 macarons but we sold out again. I'll be making even more for this year in about 30 different flavours."

Council has put out a call for more stalls with a culturally diverse flavour for 2019 Fiesta La Peel. Applications close on September 26 with an online application form available for stallholders and entertainers. Stallholders from Tamworth, Gunnedah, Armidale and Coffs Harbour are already confirmed.

Fiesta La Peel, which started six years ago, celebrates the cultural diversity of the Tamworth region. Members of the local multicultural community serve free tasting plates of foods and showcase a range of performances.

Food from Japan will be on the Fiesta La Peel menu for the first time this year and entertainment from Bangladesh, New Guinea and Nigeria will debut.

Tamworth Regional Council's organiser for the event, Carol Hughes, said Fiesta La Peel is a very popular event with wide appeal.

"It is a celebration of the diversity of the cultures living together in our region with food, craft and entertainment creating a festive atmosphere enjoyed by thousands of people each year, " she said.

"There is great food from more than 25 cultures and wonderful performances from around the world - it's no wonder it has grown in popularity over the years."