First-time market enjoyed by visitors and stallholders

GRAAFF-REINET — Last Saturday was the first of what it is hoped will be many Graaff-reinet Town Markets, held on the lush lawns of the town’s Dutch Reformed Church.

There was a lovely atmosphere, and both stallholders and visitors enjoyed the morning in the shadow of the ‘Grootkerk’.

The market was the brainchild of Lize Breytenbach, who floated the idea on the local facebook trading group, which she runs. Initially, there was support for an evening market, but security and other practical concerns were considered, and the market was arranged for 08:00 until noon.

Despite the short notice, the church agreed to host the event, and it proved to be an excellent venue.

The last minute arrangements did mean that some of those who would have liked a stall were unable to participate, but the date was

There was a steady flow of visitors, both tourists and local folk, and Breytenbach is very grateful to those local residents who showed their support. All the stallholders reported that they found the day worthwhile, and had fewer goods to pack up at the end of the day than they came with.

There was concerted support for more such markets on a regular basis.

It was decided that the next market would be held at the end of February, provisionally on Saturday, February 24. Several visitors asked for more food stalls, so it is hoped that next time there will be more hot food available, such as the traditional boerewors rolls and pancakes. It is hoped that a wider variety of goods will be offered, with perhaps meat, fresh vegetables, cakes, and maybe even South Africa’s favourite, “Bazaar Puddings!”

A Whatsapp group has been created for those interested in becoming part of the markets in 2018, and anyone who would like to get join is asked to contact Breytenbach by Whatsapp on 061 382 0336.