Christmas market’s festive faux pas
A new Christmas market touting itself as a first for Waikato came as a surprise to some.
Tash McGowan was promoting the inaugural Waikato Christmas Market as a burst of renewal for the region, promising to transform The Barn at Claudelands into a wonderland on December 12.
‘‘The Christmas spirit will be alive,’’ McGowan told Stuff. ‘‘We want to be getting together as a community for Christmas, and celebrating what’s unique to us.’’
Other marketers say McGowan’s may be the first of its name, but it is not the first of its kind.
‘‘I was surprised to read about it,’’ Tamahere market organiser Jane Manson told Stuff. A few people rang me after they had read the article, confused.’’
The Twilight Christmas Market will be open for the 16th year in a row on December 5 from 4pm to 8pm at St Stephen’s Anglican Church.
The market runs as an outreach, supporting 110 proud makers and buskers in a lively country atmosphere. Manson, who also works as a nurse, has been key to its success. She says her favourite part of the market is the Devonshire Tea area.
‘‘I love sitting down and talking to people, and people really just enjoy getting out and about, supporting local businesses.
What’s more, The Twilight Christmas Market isn’t alone.
The Craft & Creations Annual Market at Rototuna High School in Hamilton has been running for the past four years.
In 2020 the market boasts 145 vendors, an interactive exhibit built by the Lego Hamilton club and a spinning wheel of prizes.
‘‘There’s a lot of uncertainty,’’ market organiser Sharnyn Haseltine said. ‘‘Planning was difficult because of Covid-19 but we’re going ahead. All we have to do now is hope for fine weather on the day.’’