Trial market an ‘amazing’ success

Haven Market organisers will look to next month’s event after an ‘amazing’ return at the weekend.

The market has been out of action since March because of restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Organiser Sue Exell praised the actions of patrons on Saturday, who made use of available hand sanitiser and practised social distancing.

“People really seemed to be keeping their distance, which was great,” she said.

“The committee did a great job of sanitising everything, wiping down tables, chairs and handrails and we put up a few barriers to try to keep people moving.

“We have also been working closely with the Horsham council to work out how many people we could have in certain areas.”

Mrs Exell said she received overwhelmingly positive feedback from stallholders.

“We had 27 stalls, so it was a smaller market, but it was a quality one,” she said.

“The stallholders were pretty excited and some told me they had their best market ever. We also had some new stallholders, which was great to see.”

Mrs Exell said the event acted as a social outing, one of few allowed under current government restrictions.

“It was really good to see people who are usually involved in footy, netball or bowls who are usually unable to attend, have an opportunity to come along,” she said.

“It was nice to see some different faces and there was a real social atmosphere. It was just great to see people have a chance to be out and about, having a cuppa and a chat.”

The Haven Market is the first Wimmera market up and running again following bans on mass gatherings in March.

The next Haven Market will be at Haven Recreation Reserve on August 1.

“We’d just like to thank everyone who did the right thing – it really helped our committee,” Mrs Exell said.

“We will now work towards our next market, although we understand a lot will depend on how things are going in Victoria and any updated restrictions.”