The St Mary's Under the Mountain Arts and Crafts event took place on Saturday and shoppers took the opportunity to enjoy some gorgeous weather, great food and pick up some beautiful arts and crafts. Some were getting an early start on their Christmas shopping while others were there to buy themselves something unique for their home.
Margaret Lugger had come from Hawera for the morning, and was thrilled with her purchases. "I have all sorts already and I haven't even got to half the stalls yet. I picked up some gorgeous knitted superheroes for my youngest grandson, they are so well made and make a nice change from something made in China or Russia or somewhere. There is some lovely artwork here as well and I think I have the perfect place for it at home so may go back and get one of the prints I like." Margaret had come with her friend Mavis Tremayne, who says she bought more than she planned to. "I am on a pension so I watch my dollars carefully but the things here are all so well made and they will be good Christmas presents meaning I will be saving money next month."
Stratford Press managing editor Ilona Hanne took a break from watching the Oceania Cup games to visit the market and capture some of the fun (and pick up a few bargains herself).
