Fair rehearsal for monthly market

As far as rehearsals go, the St Barnabas Church fair was almost perfect - now plans are underway to run a monthly market in Ngongotaha.

The St Barnabas Church fair was held on Saturday at Ngongotaha's School Rd Reserve.

While organisers were hoping for some more fresh produce they said it didn't matter with plenty of locally made arts and crafts on offer.

West Rotorua Parish co-ordinator Heather McKechnie said she was not sure of the numbers of people who attended but there were crowds there all afternoon.

"We were very pleased with it all.

"The chairman of the parish council wants to hold a produce market in Ngongotaha, which we are thinking about for next year.

"This was really just a trial run ... we didn't get a lot of produce but we had some great arts and crafts.

"A lot of the produce people were at other markets around town like the one in Kuirau Park."

Mrs McKechnie said the School Rd Reserve was a lovely venue with many stall holders telling her they loved being out on the grass.

The day also doubled as a fundraiser for the Anglican church.

"We are committed to a number of different missions so we need the money for our outreach programmes."

She said they would definitely be holding a similar event next year with the idea of a monthly produce market at the forefront.

"Hopefully we can get it going monthly, there's nothing like it being held in Ngongotaha."