I’m finding that each and every one of these markets has its own particular vibe, courtesy of the individuals that attend them. It’s a bit like the acoustic open mics that we’ve been running in Riverton (at Jacob’s River Bakehouse) since Christmas – different people turn up each time, each bringing their own energy and, like the markets, each of these events, without exception, has been an uplifting celebration of our community. I truly believe we are incredibly lucky to be living here!!
The winter markets have a lazier feel compared to the summer ones, however, they are steady. I love that the slower pace enables everyone to catch up with everyone else. The stall-holders are an eclectic bunch (as are the market-goers!), and a joy to spend time with. I have to say, the market chats are my absolute favourite thing about these events and getting to know people a little more each market. I always enjoy reflecting on these interactions afterwards and am on a natural high for the rest of the weekend (while I recover and catch up on all the things I’ve neglected in the lead up to the market!).
I walked away from this market with a sack of and pinecones and a cat-mint cat toy from the Furever Homes fundraiser, a couple of beautiful native plants, Saturday nights dinner - bread and muffins, some crystal hearts, bath bombs, soap, cookies and a bottle of Donnette’s lavender hydrosol which I decedantly used in my bath that evening to help recover from a super busy few days (- the open mic and the market occurring within 24 hours of each other this month!). One thing that I’m consistently impressed with, are the prices of goods available at this market – they are excellent value!
I will take the opportunity here to say how proud I am of our younger market stall-holders... they are an enterprising bunch and are providing a shining example of what can be achieved, with a little vision, motivation and creativity. I particularly loved their interactions towards the end of the market... offering good deals for their last products and trading with one another. Interesting to see some of the kids make some money on their stall and then spend it at another stall (I did this too!) – a great example of a circular economy and keeping the dollars in our community! Riverton Community Market is very happy to support our younger generations – feel free to contact me if your child/grandchild/niece/nephew etc. would like to make (or grow) something to sell at the market.
The baking competition this month was Chocolate Brownies and the entries didn’t disappoint – a huge thanks to all those who entered, and thanks also to those who took part in the judging/voting! I love how involved the kids are getting with this! Our winner this time with her Triple Chocolate Brownie – was Bridget Adams of Riverton – she walked away with a big smile on her face and $150! The recipe she used was a Tasty.co one: https://tasty.co/recipe/the-best-fudgy-brownies
The winner of the raffle, (which we run as a fundraiser both for the baking competition prize and the market - next on the want list is a new gazebo, hopefully before the current one collapses!) was Sam Jane from Nightcaps. Now, like the last market, there was an interesting story around this win. Just before the raffle was drawn, I went around the stall-holders, asking whether they would like a final chance to purchase a ticket. Sam looked at the prizes – a real assortment of what was on offer from the market (honey, notebooks, fresh bread, a box of potatoes, yams, soap, chutney, bath bombs, possum skin insoles, a resin ring holder, plants etc.) and decided she didn’t really need any of these things (she already had good sheepskin insoles, grows her own plants, had already bought some bread and traded for veggies etc. so her neighbouring stall-holder, potato-seller Edwin, bought some tickets and put her name on one of them. Funny how things work out - once she’d gotten over the shock, and irony, of winning, she walked around the market and offered the other stall-holders items out of the basket of raffle prizes. Seriously - I LOVE the spirit of this market!!
I'm looking forward to the next market on the 27th July! Keep watching this space for an announcement of what the next baking competition will be - I will also put posters around Riverton. If you are keen on having a stall (or a busking slot) at the next market, please contact me, Tamsin, to book your space (020 414 09990).
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