It started as a small car boot sale 25 years ago, now the Swannanoa Country Fair, on Sunday March 5, has become a major fundraiser for the school.
Swannanoa School Home and School committee member Karen Mitchell remembers they had watched with interest when the nearby Fernside School held a successful fun run as a fundraiser in 1997.
‘‘Because we didn’t know anything about running a running race, we opted for a car boot sale that year and then went ahead with a larger country fair the following year in 1998.’’
Karen says she and others helped start the food section of the fair which has become one of its highlights.
Organising committee chairman Regan Finch says the food hall with its blend of home cooked baking and fresh produce is now one of the most sought after sections of the fair.
‘‘There is always a huge variety of food on offer.’’
He says this year would have been their 25th instead it’s their 22nd annual fair.
‘‘But it is great to be back after a three year Covid layover.’’
The fair is a major fundraiser to help support Te Koromiko Swannanoa School.
‘‘We are proud that every cent raised at the Swannanoa Country Fair goes directly towards raising student engagement and motivation, and making school a great place that children want to be at.
‘‘It’s always a massive undertaking and the people here in the district have been very generous with their time and their donations for the various stalls including the huge white elephant.
Mr Finch says another special attraction this year will be the Women's Rugby World Cup which is being bought to the venue by former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge.
On the day Mr Finch says there will be over 130 craft stalls, 20 trade stalls, and seven unique food trucks to accompany the schools food hall. The fair will be held at the Swannanoa Community Hall in the grounds of the Swannanoa Domain on Tram Road from 10am.
Mr Finch says volunteers will be onsite from this Friday to prepare for Sundays fair.
