Gisborne Farmers Market will mark its 20th anniversary this week.
Gisborne Farmers Market will mark its 20th anniversary this week.
The Gisborne Farmers Market will be pulling out all the stops on Saturday when it celebrates 20 years of operation.
There will be a feijoa eating competition, free face painting for the kids and the winner of an online competition - which asked people what their favourite buy was -will be announced.
“We’ve had heaps of entries - 169 in total so far, so we’re happy with that,” market manager Juanita Lambert said.
People can still enter on the Gisborne Farmers Market Facebook page.
The winner will get a $100 voucher to spend at the market.
Lambert said the last two weekend markets had been busy in terms of vendors and customers and she was hoping for an even better market on Saturday for the birthday celebrations.
“It’s going to be fantastic fun for the whole whānau.
“Bring your friends, bring your appetite and come spend the morning soaking up the festivities with us at the market.”
Gisborne Farmers Market is a community event, a place where people gather and interact with local growers and producers, catch up with friends and stock up on fresh produce.
When it launched it had just over 15 member vendors. Now it’s flourishing with more than 50 vendors, including popular newcomer Sourdough Experience.
Stalwarts like Heavitree, Gisborne Underglass, Lake Road Lavender, Teesdale Orchard and Riverton Orchard are still going strong and there are always queues for the fresh eggs from Mahia Restoration Trust.
“We’ve got Muru performing. He sings and plays guitar and is one of the nicest musicians we have worked with,” Lambert said. “He always helps us out if someone cancels unexpectedly.”
Market committee chairman Matt Carter, of Hill Road Orchard, has been part of the market since 2011.
Hill Road sells freshly squeezed orange juice, citrus, marmalade, lemon and honey mixers, and blueberries and strawberries when in season.
Orchardist and Gisborne Farmers Market committee chairman Matt Carter sells fresh citrus and juice under the brand Hill Road. Photo / Strike Photography
Lambert said the market brought a strong sense of community and connection.
“It helps us build food resilience, keeps money circulating locally and gives people access to super fresh produce and handmade goods,” she said.
As well as being a vital source of income for local growers and businesses, it is also a social occasion for many.
“It’s also a drawcard for visitors, giving them a taste of what our region has to offer.”
