THE smell of scrumptious cooking was enough to entice anyone into the Daylesford Town Hall on Thursday, with hundreds flocking to the inaugural Absolutely Fabulous Fresh Food Festival.
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Locals offered cabbage and parsley seedlings, businesses revealed the secret recipes of their finest dishes, and locals munched on fresh salads and soups throughout the day.
The "community atmosphere" of people crammed into the space was spoken of by many attendees, who were amazed by all that was on offer.
And it wasn't just delicious food that was offered for free - people could access blood tests, cooking demonstrations and even toothpaste as part of the healthy living festival.
"Young people think food just comes out of the freezer, but we want to teach them all about the farm to fridge process," Melbourne Wholesale Teisha Dower said.
"Your tastebuds change every 14 to 28 days and people really are getting more and more into healthy food."
Love My Salad's Annie Walsh said the benefits of eating well were obvious.
"People are happier and healthier so it's a no brainer," she said.
And it's clear people were loving the fresh produce and goods on offer.
"I just think all of this is incredible and what a great thing to stumble across in your town," Corrie-Lyn Boyland said.
Local grower Ray Robinson also came along just to share his love of gardening with others and share seedlings with those who were keen.
"Growing things from start to finish is just so therapeutic," he said.
"You grow to love the produce while you grow it, so you love it more when you eat it... and if you're lucky, you'll be able to share it with someone you love."
The festival was part of a Hepburn Health Service project, in conjunction with Hepburn Shire and fellow partners.