Market Up Date

Oratia Market is rocking through its third summer and shoppers and stallholders alike love the warm dry weather we are having.

The market has found its place as a feature of the local community, with stalls full of lovely fresh local food and produce every Saturday morning and shopper support growing and growing.
Last year the market ran in winter for the first time. The permanent stalls provided good shelter for the stallholders in the worst of the winter cold, wind and rain, and many shoppers came rain or shine for their favourite fruit, veges and food.

On our lovely Saturday mornings the market place has something closer to a carnival atmosphere. The buskers now have a permanent covered performance area and many shoppers sit on the grass in the middle of the market place to relax with a coffee and a snack, listening to the music and chat with friends while their children play in the sun. Those who work up a real appetite while they are shopping call in next door to Artisan Wines for wine or a lovely lunch in the vineyard garden.

The parking attendants manage the vineyard parking to make shopping as convenient as possible. They take pride in providing special assistance to shoppers with limited mobility so please let them know if you need a mobility park.
One special young attendant became a feature with his flamboyant approach to his job. Some ladies who are amongst his favourite came one day with a cake they had baked and brought in especially for him. Another shopper presented him with a cap he thought would be useful. It was printed with "Official" on the front, and to the young mans delight V 8 Series Australia on the side. Makes one proud to be a Westie.

The first Twilight Market ran on the Wednesday before Christmas from 5pm to 8pm. It was a huge market, with many shoppers stocking up on the fresh produce for Christmas break and several stallholders sold out. Artisan wines was also popular that evening with all the tables full and some diners were happy to eat their meals sitting on the grass in the garden, rather than miss out.

Now is the best time for fresh fruit and vegetables, and more stallholders are coming in as their crops mature. There are still strawberries, lots of plums, beans, tomatoes, early apples and wonderful salad vegetables available. Our special local Kohu Road ice cream stall is back and our Maori potato man has joined us again.
The market is open every Saturday morning 9am - 12pm at Artisan Wines, 99 Parrs Cross Road Oratia. EFTPOS is available at Artisan and parking is free i the vineyard. Enquires to www.oratiafarmersmarket.co.nz or 8387979

Thank you for your support.
Chris Frentz