Lifeline gives market go-ahead for October
WARWICK crafters have been delighted by news the annual Warwick Rodeo Country Craft Markets will go ahead this year, pending regulations.
Warwick Potter’s Association president and stall organiser Sue Creed said she was thrilled to have “all systems go” come October.
Due to coronavirus, it would be the only craft market left in the 2020 events calendar.
“Market cancellations have had a big impact on us. They are the bread and butter of the Potter’s Association, they pay insurance, rate and rent,” Mrs Creed said.
‘We depend on them for a roof over our head.”
The association wasn’t the only one to suffer from a lack of events.
“Fifty per cent of market holders depend on them for their entire income,” Mrs Creed said.
“The other percentage of locals use the 2-3 chances a year to make a little extra.”
One of these was toy craftsman Chris Guymere, who was hopeful for the return.
“We’ve missed another big one with the Jumpers and Jazz Potters’ Craft Market and a lot of the same people came to both markets,” he said.
“To have this one is a definite boost. Hopefully it will bring back visitors to the area.”
The retired manual arts teacher said he had been in a better financial position during the pandemic than other crafters who depended on market stalls to bring in an income — turning to online websites such as One Day Closer To Rain.
“I’ve found that since the coronavirus, online markets have done really well for me. But I’m not sure if a lot of other people have done that,” he said.
The annual market traditionally follows the Warwick Rodeo parade.