20 november 2007

Ashburton’s Farmers’ Market is a winner – thanks to the community who turned out in force to support the venture. 
Committee chairman Rob Brawley said crowds flocked into the West Street car park before the market was officially opened at 9am, and as a result many stallholders sold out well before 10am. 
“We couldn’t really stop people coming in, but stallholders soon found out they needed a lot more produce to meet the demand,” he said. 
Mr Brawley estimates upward of 500 people spent time at the market during the three hours it was running. 
Fresh vegetable stallholder Bill Cabout made several trips back to base to keep up the supply of lettuces, spring onions and silverbeet, but other vendors were unable to lay their hands on more produce, however, they have vowed to return better prepared in a fortnight. 
Also inspired by the success of Saturday’s market several potential new vendors have expressed an interest in setting up stalls. 
Organisers were generally happy with the venue chosen for the market, but Mr Brawley said there was no guarantee it would stay there. 
“We needed a really high profile spot to get the crowds, but Saturday’s market exceeded all our expectations. We might look at other options in terms of venues further down the track,” he said. 
In accordance with the guidelines of Farmers’ Markets across the country the goods offered must be locally produced, and preferably edible. But each market sets its own code and the Mid Canterbury committee voted to include plants, bulbs and flowers.  
They have also committed to supporting a different community group on each market day, and on Saturday a Boy Scout pack sold wooden play blocks as a fundraiser. 
Additionally, community groups will be offered the opportunity to man the sausage sizzle as a fundraising activity.  
Once any kinks with the Farmers’ Market are sorted out, Mr Brawley said there was a chance to establish a separately organised craft market alongside. 
The Farmers’ Market committee meets tonight to plan the next market day on November 24. 
November 13 2007