March's Riverton Community Market 2025

This weekend was a big weekend for Riverton as the Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival was also on and droves of people were in town, the place buzzing with activity.  It was so lovely seeing everyone!

Happily the drizzly rain faded out at the start of the market which I was happy about, seeing as though I had some apple pressing to do outside.  I got to hang out with the pretzel people (https://pretzelation.nz/) – beautiful people with DELICIOUS warm pretzels - (highly recommended), whilst pressing apples into delicious juice. 

The hydraulic apple press we borrowed for this market is a pleasure to use, along with the electric apple muncher; it’s like magic seeing the juice pouring out into the bucket just from the water pressure!  We will bring the apple press to the next market, so round up all the apples you can find in the meantime and bring them, (and empty bottles), if you’d like to press your own juice!

The Apple Pie baking competition was a spectacular one - we made use of the magnificent pie warmer (thanks Jasmin) to warm the entries, of which there were 10 (although I quickly withdrew my entry due to the base still being a bit raw – oooops, baking is not my forte although I’ll keep trying)!  At midday, a queue formed, stretching half-way down the hall as the community tasters licked their chops in eager anticipation for judging; it kinda reminded me of the sausage roll competition last year.  The winner was entry number 5 – Carolyne, one of our wonderful stall-holders!  Well done Carolyne and many thanks to all those that entered – your efforts and generosity make these baking competitions the fun that they always are!

The raffle this time was won by our lovely Rose.  Very happy for her!  She shared the booty out with her family and friends – such a generous wee soul.

Next time, in keeping with the apple theme, (since it’s that time of year), we have decided the baking competition will be Apple Shortcake.  I will definitely practice in advance this time (on my family - lucky them - ha!).  We will see you at the next market on 27th April.  Looking forward to it!

A snapshot of March's Riverton Community Market