STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL, PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Spud farming can be traced as far back as the Inca in Peru, who were the first to cultivate potatoes more than 8,000 years ago. In Trentham, since the early 1900s, a fertile strip of red volcanic soil has made potato farming a mainstay of the town's economy. But potatoes are more than just a product, after rice and wheat, they're the third most important food crop in the world and one of the finest sources of starch, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

On the first Saturday in May, spud-lovers from around the state come together to celebrate the Great Trentham Spudfest. “A lot of country fairs, festivals and events try to be like a mini Royal Show—Spudfest is just a beautiful country festival,” says Helen MacDonald, the committee convenor for Spudfest. “Regular visitors know they can take home freshly-harvested spuds, from multi-generational spud farming families.”

Trendy Trentham, a nickname bestowed by those from surrounding townships, revives the sentiment of fairs and potato cultivation from bygone years. “Trentham is just such a lovely, grounded little village and the festival reflects that,” explains Helen. “Every year we strive to become more community-focused because we want to share our local produce. So we've definitely increased the emphasis on local vendors, local producers, local supporters.”

When asked what she loves most about the community, Helen recounts a joke she shares with locals, “We joke about just popping down to the supermarket for five minutes...because a visit to the supermarket almost always takes half an hour, you run into so many friends and have great conversations catching up with locals. It’s truly a connected community.”

At last year's festival, to the tune of banjos and folk songs, dozens of locals braved the light rain to line-up for the famous CFA chips and roast spuds with all the trimmings—as well as local food stalls that offer roestis, mash, bravas and potato donuts. “Foodies can also explore the Gourmet Peninsula, where specialist producers share their wares, taste those that tempt, then take them home to enjoy at your leisure,” says Helen. “There will also be wineries, breweries and a cidery as well as the first tastings of a local vodka distillery.”

This year, the fair will extend to four precincts; Quarry Park Spudhub, the Town Square, the Historic Railway station and the Music & Makers on Market. “You can be transported around the village by horse & cart. There’s plenty of things to do, see and hear - a Tractor Pull, Vintage Vehicles, Classic Cars, and this year we’re introducing a Sustainability Expo,” Helen reminds me. “And for those who want the true taste of a country fair, try the home-made potato scones with jam and cream, washed down with a hot cuppa at our Devonshire Tea tent on Market St - yum!”

Trentham Spudfest trenthamspudfest.org.au Saturday 02 May, 10am - 4pm