New market venue proves popular

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Feeling her brainchild Beach and Country Market had run its course at the Domain, market manager Sue Martin was looking for a way to ‘freshen it up’ and keep both exhibitors and public interested.

“I live close to the museum and drive past it daily and suddenly thought ‘what a great place to have a market’,” says Sue who then approached the museum people who were open to the idea, and the rest is history.

As the markets only run from Labour Weekend until Easter, the recent Labour Weekend move proved it was absolutely the right decision for everyone, especially the visitors.

“The museum cafe had a record day since they have been open, which we are delighted about,” says Sue. “People and stall holders came from far and wide so the market was a great day for all concerned.

The weather was outstanding and the atmosphere was alive with excitement and anticipation and with the new site being so visible to the public there was no chance of missing the action.

The newly concreted area around the museum was filled with families and visitors and presented a colourful display. Add to that the live music and the wide variety of stalls plus their own human concrete statue who remained motionless for hours under the hot sun.

“We have had such great feedback from everyone,” adds Sue “and we are now really looking forward to our December 4 Christmas market, 9am - 1pm that will combine with the museum's Bows and Bells Christmas event.”

Check out Mangawhai Beach and Country Market on Facebook for their full schedule and news.

- Rob Pooley

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