Tent city as Marton fair draws crowds
A small town market’s growing popularity is testament to the community spirit crucial to putting the event on, the organiser says.
Thousands of people, some from as far away as Tauranga, New Plymouth and Upper Hutt, converged on Marton on Saturday for the annual Marton Market Day.
The market had the usual suspects - vendors hawking trinkets and decorations, food vendors feeding the masses, and musicians - as well as entertainment from Pacifika dancers and more.
A performance by Joel the Stuntman, during which he juggled flaming torches and climbed into a balloon, was especially popular with crowds.
Project Marton community coordinator Cath Ash said the fair, which had run for at least 20 years, was proving ever more popular.
‘‘We have two big events every year, but this is the only one where we close off the main street.’’
The weather had packed in some years, so everyone was thankful for the overcast-yet-warm day, she said.
‘‘It’s become a day to celebrate our town by welcoming visitors and gathering as a community.
‘‘I came out here early this morning and it was a sea of people in orange vests, picking up rubbish, putting up signs and setting everything up.
‘‘It’s that kind of community spirit that makes this possible for everyone.’’