The Whanganui River Markets will run from 1-5pm on Anzac Day. Photo / Erin Smith
The Whanganui River Markets will run from 1-5pm on Anzac Day. Photo / Erin Smith
Whanganui River Markets visitors can swap their usual breakfast for lunch or an early dinner this Saturday as the market adjusts for Anzac Day.
The markets will run from 1-5pm on Saturday to comply with trading restrictions.
The last time Anzac Day fell on a Saturday was in 2020, duringCovid-19 restrictions, and the markets were called off.
Market administration manager Annette Main said she was pleased to be able to hold the markets because it had been “a subject of discussion” for other markets in New Zealand.
“This is a big change for us ... while some of our regular stallholders are welcoming the chance for a Saturday morning sleep, others are pleased they won’t need to miss the Dawn Service.
“We decided we would go ahead and do it in the afternoon which takes a lot of work in terms of getting people out of their routines and getting permission from the council.
“Everybody is still going to be there in the numbers that we usually get, which is fabulous.”
The Whanganui River Markets celebrated their 21st anniversary in March.
Main said she loved that it was still so successful.
“To see people bring along the things they create and talking to people about them is just lovely. I can’t be more pleased with the way it has grown in 21 years.”
The markets have donated two large riverside tables and benches to the Whanganui District Council for community use.
One of the tables and seats installed to celebrate the market’s 21st anniversary. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown
Main said they wanted to do something substantial to celebrate instead of “having a party”.
“We finally got to the point where we thought we could do something that was going to make a difference and we thought that the tables would be the best thing.
“It is so lovely to see people gathering at the tables and especially on market day when you have got groups of people that don’t really know each other sitting at them and chatting away together – it is really heartwarming to see. We love it.”
Main said the solid concrete base of the tables meant they were able to withstand the rising floodwater on April 19.
The team was looking forward to seeing market attendees this weekend at a later time than usual, she said.
“Go to the Anzac Day service and feel proud of those that served our country and then come to the market to see what people today are doing to enjoy the way of life that we have got because of those sacrifices that were made.
