Thousands of people from near and far are expected in Ashburton on Monday as two annual events get under way: Market Day and Bookarama.
Market Day has a new location on East and Cameron Sts, near the town clock, while the week-long Bookarama opens in the Sports Hall, Tancred St.
Both are a draw card for travellers as it is also South Canterbury Anniversary Day.
Market Day organiser Carol Johns said, the new location, near Baring Square East was a win/win for stallholders and people attending.
‘‘We have moved in front of the clock tower (on East St) between Havelock and Wills Sts and down Cameron St,’’ she said.
‘‘Baring Square East will provide a great place to sit and rest and have a bite to eat.’’
She said there were vendors with lots of different types of foods to eat and treats to take home and among the more than 70 stallholders was an arts and crafts stall raising money for Child Cancer.
‘‘Lucy’s Locket coming. She’s an 11-year-old and she raises money for Child Cancer. She was on (TV1’s) Good Sorts.’’
There are also lots of new stalls, all the favourites as well as community groups such as Ashburton Spiritual Group, a local Stroke support group, Altrusa and free tests from the Ashburton Kidney Foundation, she said.
Wares include clothing, artworks, candles and fragrances, plants, jewellery, handcrafted goods and children’s toys. A full list is available on the Ashburton Market Days Facebook page.
The MetService extended forecast for Monday is for 19 degrees, partly cloudy with northerlies.
‘‘The new location is looking to be a good move with the square providing seats for people to grab a bite to eat and relax,’’ she said.
‘‘The road is wider so will provide more room to move. This year will be getting the feel for what can be achieved and plan for next year.’’
– Ashburton Market Day, East St (between Havelock and Wills Sts) and Cameron St on Monday, 9am to about 4pm. Ashburton Bookarama from September 22 – 27 at the Sports Hall, Tancred St, opens 8am on Monday. Open daily until noon Saturday, September 27.
