Gallery Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Locals and visitors flocked to Angel Park last Saturday for the first Graaff-Reinet Community Market.

There was lots of fun for both stall holders and visitors, as 39 stalls sold locally produced goods, from 3m tall metal windmills and Shweshwe dresses to freshly picked spinach and Karoo lamb bacon. Visitors enjoyed a variety of their favourite market foods such as pancakes, hamburgers, curry and rice, sosaties, popcorn, fudge, ice-cream and candy floss.

A local marimba band and the Koebergville Brass Band set the tone for the day, followed by local singer Melissa van der Nest and Paul Laubscher with his band Albatross.

Face-painting, games and a jumping castle kept the children entertained.

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The stallholders were unanimous in welcoming the initiative, with most reporting good sales and useful contacts made. Many of the food stalls sold out, and the vendors will bring extra supplies next time.

People enjoyed the first Angel Park Graaff-Reinet Community Market last Saturday.

After the success of the first market, most store holders have already booked for the second market this coming weekend, and there will also be a selection of exciting new stalls. The organisers have taken note of a few areas for improvement, which will be implemented, and they are delighted to announce that the markets will become a permanent feature on the Graaff-Reinet calendar. There will be two markets a month, from 10:00 - 14:00 on the first and third Saturday of every month.

This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for local communities to get together and showcase their products and creative talents. It is an initiative of the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality, with backing from private donors.

An added benefit for the community as a whole is that in preparation for the market, the gardens were cleaned up and truck-loads of rubbish were removed. This will be done on a regular basis to maintain the cleanliness of the park, and the gardens will be upgraded, to the benefit of all locals and visitors.

There are still space available for this coming weekend’s market, and anyone interested should contact Bobby on 040 555 1007 or info@grtcommunitymarket.co.za.

The Koebergville Brass Band in action.