Country comes to Carterton

FRESH VENTURE: Kat Pretak (left), Kevin Shipp and Louisa Broughton at the Carterton farmers market vendor and sponsor social held last week at Tarragon Cafe. PHOTO/LOUISE WILSDEN

Fresh produce, sweet treats, and good music are about to become a weekly affair in Carterton.

After almost a year in the planning, the Carterton farmers market is set to open on February 22 in the town's Memorial Square.

Market co-manager Louisa Broughton said she and her husband, Dan, became interested in the concept of farmers markets after living overseas.

"I worked in England for seven or eight years and they have a lot of farmers markets and I became somewhat obsessed with them.

"We are both quite social people and what we found in England is that we'd go and meet lots of cool people every time."

As well as providing a venue for residents to get together, Mrs Broughton hopes the market will encourage visitors to stop and experience local products.

"It's not motivated by us trying to sell anything. We just thought it would be cool for Carterton really ... there's a lot of things in Carterton that are a little bit hidden."

The majority of the stalls are food-related, although there will also be plants, crafts and entertainment on offer.

The aim was to provide reasonably-priced goods, Mrs Broughton said.

"We want it to be fairly inclusive without it being tatty."

So far interest from potential stallholders and visitors is strong, with Sinom Catering and Paulownia Estate winery among the confirmed vendors.

Any profit will be reinvested in the market.

To mark the opening of the market, Mrs and Mr Broughton and co-manager Sara Sutherland have arranged Clydesdale carriage rides.

Music will be provided by Nick Wilsden, who will also be co-ordinating the music for future markets.

The Carterton farmers market will be held in Memorial Square every Sunday.

The first market opens on Sunday, February 22, and runs from 9am to 1pm.

Stalls cost $20 on a casual basis or $10 if paid quarterly.

For more information see http://www.cartertonmarket.co.nz/