Today, the Tauelsizdik square in Kokshetau has turned into a real gastronomic oasis — the first agricultural fair was held here this year, bringing together producers from all over the Akmola region. Meat, dairy products, honey, fresh fish, flour, vegetables, cereals, confectionery — more than 70 items and about 82 tons of products were presented to residents and guests of the city at prices 10-15% below market.

There are 45 pavilions along the perimeter, divided into sectors: one for meat products, another for dairy products, the third for flour, and the fourth for vegetables. A samovar was smoking nearby, live music was playing, children were watching a festive concert, and adults were filling bags with fresh groceries. A group of volunteers was on duty on the territory for the elderly. Activists helped the townspeople carry heavy packages.

"On the eve of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, one of the most important Muslim holidays, the first agricultural fair was organized in the regional center this year. As you know, every family begins active preparation before the holiday. The fair is a great opportunity to stock up on necessary products at affordable prices. In addition, this is a chance for our agricultural producers to sell goods directly, without intermediaries," said Akim of Akmola region Marat Akhmetzhanov.

The fair was attended by manufacturers from eight districts — Akkolsky, Burabaysky, Bulandinsky, Zerendinsky, Shortandinsky, Sandyktau, Birzhan Sal, as well as the cities of Stepnogorsk, Kokshetau and JSC SPK Kokshe.

"For us, Kazakhs, the fair is not only about products, it's about communication, about the spirit of unity. People shop, and then stay, listen to the concert, dance. This is our cultural code. And it is especially symbolic that all this happens on the last day of the holy month — as if summing up the results, a meeting of spring and goodness," Aliya Akhmetova, a resident of Kokshetau, shared her impressions.

Along with urban residents, rural producers who have long been familiar with the format of such events could also be found at the fair. One of them is Aliya Orazova from the Sharipov household in Birzhan Sal district.

"We participate in fairs every year, I personally have been traveling for 13 years. Our area is famous primarily for dairy products: butter, cottage cheese, cheese. And, of course, meat. Our Akmola beef is a real pride, and as you all know, it is in demand far beyond the region. People recognize us and come purposefully for our products," Aliya Orazova said.

The fair was full of culture as well as food: bands from the districts replaced each other on the stage, folk songs were played, children and adults danced. The site sold fresh honey, freshly baked bread, eggs, and vegetable oil — everything you need for a festive table. More than 100 thousand eggs, 30 tons of meat products, 16 tons of vegetables, 2.6 thousand liters of butter — the scale is impressive.

The organizers assure us that this is just the beginning.

According to the Department of Agriculture, such fairs will be held on an ongoing basis.

"We will inform you about the dates in advance. Our goal is to support farmers and give citizens access to high—quality, fresh products at a fair price," they said.

And judging by the atmosphere and the smiles on the faces of the customers, the Kokshetau fair has already become not just a market, but a meeting place for traditions, people and spring.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-ush/press/news/details/965448?lang=kk