Dannevirke: Super gran launches country market

Daphne Miller

Described as super gran by her 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, Dannevirke's Daphne Miller didn't find retirement quite what she expected, so she's thrown herself into an exciting new venture.

This Saturday Daphne's vision, the country carnival market, opens in the home industries hall at the A&P Showground.

"Someone said to me it was about time this was started up here and although I've only been on the job for five weeks, it's off the ground and ready to go," she told the Dannevirke News.

The concept for the market is something unique, with free events and entertainment.

"We've got 42 stall holders registered and although they won't all be there this Saturday, there's a huge variety of arts and crafts and activities; the start of great things. I want people to come, soak up the atmosphere and stay for the fun," Daphne said.

Open to all Tararua crafters, clubs and organisations, the market will feature everything from wooden furniture, plants, children's clothing and woollen slippers and blankets.

Entertainment will include unicycles, kite flying, pony rides and a bouncy castle.

With a rural flavour, there will also be demonstrations on how to hang a gate, stack hay and a tug-of-war on the half hour, beginning at 10:30am. Daphne said it will be four hours of non-stop entertainment, fun and bargains.

"I've chosen a carnival atmosphere to make the market unique, interesting and family-friendly," she said. "We are a non-profit and eventually a self-funded market which will give opportunities to Tararua businesses and home industry enthusiasts to have a regular outlet to promote themselves to the wider community."

A major drawcard for visitors to the market will be a raffle, with the winner rewarded with a helicopter ride over Dannevirke. But if you miss out on the chopper ride, there will be Harley Davidson rides available throughout the day.

"I'm hoping everyone will be there to help make this a fantastic, fun event to enjoy," Daphne said.

-The first carnival country market is being held this Saturday, April 18, at the showgrounds, 10am to 2pm. Thereafter it will be on the last Saturday of each month.