Featherston plans Christmas market

Snow and seasonal spirit will overflow Featherston streets in nine weeks time at an inaugural Christmas Market planned for the town this year.
Event organising committee spokesman Marc van de Loo said Christmas markets overseas, particularly in Europe, inspired the idea for the first like market in Featherston.
"Our aim is to provide an all-inclusive, fun family event where the traditional meaning of Christmas is not forgotten.
"The market theme, gifts, food and entertainment are all related to Christmas," he said.
Mr van de Loo said the market would be held in the evening from 6pm to 10pm, so "people can do some Christmas shopping, have a relaxing dinner and when it's dark, enjoy the Christmas tree lights and the carols by candlelight finale".
Market themes will combine New Zealand traditions with those from the northern hemisphere, he said, although organisers "can't guarantee real snow on the night, we can promise the next best thing in the shape of a snow-making machine".
With over 20 stalls, the market will carry a wide variety of Christmas gifts, decorations and food from specialist, local businesses and importers, he said.
Throughout the evening there will be a range of entertainment, including Wairarapa musicians, singers and choirs, carol-singing, a nativity scene and play, a winter wonderland area, a roller-skating rink, a bouncy castle "and of course Santa Claus", he said.
The market will be held on the netball courts and adjoining grass areas at St Teresa's School, corner of Bell and Birdwood streets, opposite the Anzac Hall, he said.
The Christmas Market is organised by the Friends of St Teresa's School Association and the fundraising group associated with the school.
The event is sponsored by The Radio Network and funded by the Trust House Charitable Trust, the Featherston Community Board with support from the Featherston community, businesses and organisations.
Any funds raised will go back to St Teresa's School and the Featherston community, he said.