By PETER DOUGLAS
FORGET about the Big Banana or the Big Pineapple, Coldstream now has the Big Brussels Sprout.
In front of an incredible crowd of an estimated 5000 vegetable enthusiasts, the seven-foot-tall, fibreglass sprout was officially unveiled at Adams sprout farms at Coldstream on Sunday.
Many travelled both locally and from around the state, including from Melbourne, Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula.
Bruce Adams, from the farm, said the inaugural Big Sprout Fest was a huge success, as well as an educational experience for the guests.
“Only four of the 5000 people had been on a sprout farm before,” he said.
“They were able to enjoy a tour of the farm, as well as listen to a cooking demonstration from a renowned chef.”
However, the highlight of the day was the official unveiling of the Big Brussels Sprout.
Named Arthur, in honour of Bruce’s late father, Mr Adams believes the initiative will become an ongoing tourist attraction.
“We’re hoping it will build up over time, so people can come in and have their photo taken with the sprout,” he said.
“Any promotion of the Yarra Valley has got to be a good thing.”
Through the event, the Adams Farm aimed to help promote and educate the community about the goodness of Brussels Sprouts.