Magnificent spring market day fun
Visitors flocked from across Hawke’s Bay and beyond to join the fun at the annual Ongaonga Market Day- a Spring Fling event.
The sun shone, the Morris dancers danced, the bands played and the bobbin-lace makers braided and twisted.
Ongaonga Historical Society chairman Dennis Schawwas thrilled with the turnout.
“Our MarketDayhas quicklybecomean anticipated day in theCHBcommunity calendar,” he said.
“Once againwehave blown out all expectations in our visitor numbers andwewere amazed at the interest and supportshownin the restoration and preservation of the valuable old buildings weare so fortunate to have here in Ongaonga.”
Historical Society committeememberRita Scheltema said, “Visitors love thatmanyof the stallholders are in Victorian dress, which adds a very special point of difference to other fairs and markets.
“Weare very selective about all the stallholders at the market and ensure that only quality craft and produce are available.”
Volunteers working at the Victorian High Tea marquee were run off their feet serving
traditionalhomebaked high tea treats on fine china. Children were kept entertained with Clydesdale horse and cart rides and traditional Victorian games like “Knock ‘m Down” and Flip the Coin. There were plenty of lunch options with food carts as varied as Japanese food to Polynesian takeaway.
All proceeds from the successful market are going to the restoration of the Coles Bros factory, situated on Bridge St, Ongaonga.
The Coles Factorywas built in 1878 by Edward Purkis Coles and is listed as a category 1 building on theNewZealand Heritage List.
The two storey buildingwas originally built as a carpentry and joinery factory, and is the oldest of its type in the
country.
The restoration project is expected to cost around $180,000 and the historical society are working to raise one-third of thisamount for eligibility for an application to the Lottery Grants Board.
The society wishes to thank the market sponsors: CHB CommunityVibrancy Fund, The Park Lodge, Centralines, Stevenson and Taylor Waipukurau and Silver Fern Farms.
Also, Vet Services, Property Brokers andAONInsurance, whomadetheir gazebos available for the event. i
Donations and assistance is always appreciated. Phone Dennis Schaw on 0274 478 450.