Country craft market booms
The Gordonton Country Market has rapidly grown in popularity since its first appearance last September.
The growth in the Gordonton Country Market has taken organisers by surprise with vendors flooding in.
Photo: Ciaran Warner
Organiser Peter Brown says that the market has a bright future.
“It’s been a lot bigger than we anticipated. We honestly thought we were going to have to push to get vendors, but they just came flooding in. I think there’s a need for markets like this in the Waikato.”
Mr Brown says that the market offers some remarkable prospects for its vendors too.
“I think we’re providing some great opportunities, like for stay at home mothers or single mothers with amazing skills that they can put to use here. We have a group called Freeset that will be selling handmade bags from India for an awesome cause: they’re trying to help prostitutes in India get out of the sex trade.”
The market provides just as much opportunity to socialise as it does to buy, says local resident Louise Bridgeman.
“I just love catching up with everybody. It’s a chance for everyone in the district to meet up …and the kids love it. It’s much better than Facebook or Twitter, I’ll say that.”
The market, held on the second Saturday of every month, runs from 8.30am to 1pm and sells a wide variety of food and goods from several dozen stalls.
Photo: Ciaran Warner
Most of these goods are either home-made or hand crafted, and range from fresh produce and baked goods, to bird feeders made from teacups glued to poles.
The most recent market, which took place last Saturday, saw the largest turn-out yet, and it was just as common to see old friends catching up over a coffee as it was to see potential customers perusing the wares of the vendors.
The next market will take place on Saturday April 13, at Hukanui Park.
