Christmas Market 20 December 2008

The weather was truly awful for our special Christmas market. It was a real shame as we had 43 stallholders booked in but only half of these were able to get there to sell their wares in the heavy rain. The shoppers turned out in large numbers considering the weather. There were many regulars who were determined to get their favourite produce from the market so those stallholders who braved the weather did very well. Most stallholders sold out, some of them very quickly and some of them by the end of the market at noon.
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The rain didn't put Santa off - he flew in with his Air New Zealand umbrella and gave out yummy cookies to kids and adults alike.
As you can see, Santa has been eating healthily lately, lots of fresh produce from his local farmers market.

Christine braved the rain to entertain us with her violin. She did an amazing job, and is a very skilled musician. Bruce from the Tear Fund had alternative christmas presents available - buying resources for communities in less advantaged countries. The Council entrance proved to be a great spot out of the rain and may well be a regular spot for our musicians.
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The succulent stall was a new one for the market. The range of succulents is amazing.
Sarah from Waipara Gardens borrowed the Waipara Garage's gazebo for the day - a very wise move.
Don and Shari's coffee at the end of the "food lane" was a little haven from the weather. Their coffee really is good, especially on days like this.
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Bronwen from Athena Olives loading up with some more of her fresh peas which sold really well, along with her potatoes, vinegars, and other preserves, not to mention her Olive Oil!
Nathn and Vicky once again sold out of berries very quickly. I can thoroughly recommend their cucumbers, especially as I bought the last four and the family has eaten them all already!
The Parkers had the lovely panettone (italian desert) which sold out quickly but they had a good supply of the elderflower cordial left to sell. Ewan, you hardly needed to top the cordial up with water, you should have just held the tray out in the rain!
Ro braved the rain to sell the last of her beautifully decorated Christmas cakes. We are hoping to see Ro back at the market at easter.
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Umbrellas were a very necessary item for shoppers and stallholders
The kids enjoyed the treats that many stallholders (and Santa) had for them
Narissa wasn't going to let a bit of rain put her off selling her yummy cherries, and it didn't put the shoppers off buying them either.
This man got his free range eggs - the Fern Roc Farm eggs sold out by 9:30!!!
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Christmas market 20 December

Tom Porter from Bellbird selling his lovely olive oil to a wet customer.
It was a miserable day but the shoppers braved the weather to support our market.
Honey, cherries and herbs didn't seem to mind the rain
Wine sales and tastings were good despite the rain as well.
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