Market seeks crafty locals
Calling all locals – if you’re a dab hand with needle and thread, paint, baking or growing things, the Gordonton Country Market folk want to hear from you.
The first market, held at Hukanui Park, was a total success with crowds of people strolling around the vibrant and colourful stalls. The weather even behaved itself, says chairperson Peter Brown.
“It only started to get really bad about 15 minutes after the last stall holder had driven out, and at that point it was torrential rain and incredible winds – 120k winds had been forecast.”
It was hard to estimate exactly how many turned up for the inaugural event, but Peter, who was on parking duty with 12 volunteers, thinks it was about 2000.
More than 70 stall holders turned up on the day, about half of them locals, and applications are increasing.
“We thought it might ease off, but they’ve actually gone up and we have a waiting list now. But, first and foremost, our focus is on locals – that’s the message we want to get out – if you’re local, we want you there. Locals will get priority.”
The market was modelled on Tamahere’s Country Market, which is run by Jane Manson and St Stephens Church. It is held on the third Saturday of every month.
“Jane runs a very successful market, and does it through her church, it was a good model to follow. We went to her right from the start and she has been so supportive.”
The Gordonton market is run by a committee of five, all from the Oaks Christian Centre.
The idea was for it to be a family event, where people could meet friends and make new, and that’s what happened, he says.
“We’re hearing the stories now, of people who hadn’t seen each other for years, meeting and catching up. That’s what it is all about.”
At the same time they want the market to grow, they will be careful about maintaining a balance. “We plan to put more stalls in the space but we don’t want it to be too big, we want it to have that country feeling. And great food will always be a feature.”
The space is perfect. “It has such a rich history, behind the old school house. There’s something magical about it.”
Gordonton Country Market is held on the second Saturday of every month, rain or shine.
Take a bow, awesome committee:
Peter and Xenia Brown
Karyn Stroud
Judy Chrystal
Gayle Pearson
Click here to read the latest on the market in the Waikato Times.
The next market will be on Saturday 13 October, from 8.30am to 1pm. Rain or shine!
Contact the market committee by clicking here
We live in Cambridge and attend markets in Auckland but would love to do one locally. Barry does woodturning and makes very practical kitchen and outdoor articles. We have been marketing for just on 5 years and everywhere we go we find other organisers inviting us to participate in their market. We would love to be a part of Gordonton market if there was a vacancy. We wouldn’t be available for the October one because of prior arrangements but would for November. Look forward to hearing from you. Dot and Barry.
Hi Dot and Barry, have passed this on to the organisers. Thanks.