Market back, and for longer

Peter and Sharon Brass, from Cherry Tree Orchard, will be among the stallholders at the Cromwell...
Peter and Sharon Brass, from Cherry Tree Orchard, will be among the stallholders at the Cromwell Farmers’ and Craft Market, selling a wide range of fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants. Photo: supplied.
The Cromwell Farmers’ and Craft Market, which opens on Sunday, will run for a record 26-week season.

It will finish at Easter weekend, making it the longest-running season in the 12 years the market has been going.

Market administration manager Megan Bailey said about 30 produce and craft stallholders would be taking part this weekend.

"The number fluctuates throughout the season and some markets are bigger than others but it usually sits between 20 and 35 stalls," she said.

"Last season we extended into March and this season we thought we’d go into April. There still seems to be lots of people at the end of the season, so it’s worthwhile continuing it on."

Adding crafts to the mix of market goods about three years ago had worked well, Mrs Bailey said.

"It brings in more stallholders and adds a greater variety, so the customers are happy."

Items on offer include smoked salmon, cheese, honey,  fruit and vegetables, plants, flowers, linen, wool crafts, pottery, soap, leather shoes and candles.

The market is held every Sunday from 9am to 1pm in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.

For two market days  — Christmas and New Year — it will switch to Saturday.

There would be several themed days throughout the season, she said.

A focus this season was to encourage locals to become regulars at the market.

"There will be food and drinks on offer and tables, chairs and picnic blankets will be spread throughout the precinct to encourage people to relax and enjoy the music and market atmosphere."

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