Celebrations to mark market's 25 years

Club member Paul Adlam said the club was planning to celebrate the market's birthday tomorrow. Photo / Thinkstock

Rain or shine, the Rotary Charity Market has been a place to meet for more than a quarter of a century - and this weekend it's time to celebrate the achievement.

While the types of stalls and location may have changed during those 25 years, the markets started by the Rotary Club of Rotorua North have now etched their place on the calendars of many locals, becoming one of the most popular Saturday-morning activities in the city.

Club member Paul Adlam said the club was planning to celebrate the market's birthday tomorrow by offering discounted rates to those wanting a stall, as well as a few birthday balloons around the place.

He said while the changing locations had been the biggest variant over the time, the market had really found its home in Kuirau Park and blossomed since the move there in 2008.

Mr Adlam said the market had missed only a handful of Saturdays since it began - mainly due to venue changes.

"We're pretty proud to think it has lasted that long."

He said it was one of the longest-running projects any Rotary club had ever run.

Mr Adlam said each Saturday "a couple of thousand" people turned up at the markets, to do their shopping, have a coffee or catch up with friends.

"The mainstay is probably the produce. A lot of people come to get their veges."

As well as the atmosphere, Mr Adlam said one of the huge advantages was the amount the club had raised through the markets to give back to the community. Money is raised through the stallholder fees.

While the total was a bit hard to know, Mr Adlam said it was anywhere between $600,000 and $800,000. Last year alone the market had raised $52,000, that money being returned to the Rotorua community.

Those interested in having a stall are advised to be at the market by 6am or for more information call Rick Mansell on 022 011 0640 or Paul Adlam on 348 5250. The reduced rate is $10 per single site, instead of $15.