People all over Whanganui are talking about it. The annual Parish Fair held at All Saints in Whanganui East has become a locally anticipated event since its inception as a purely plant fair about 15 years ago. Every year it has grown in size and variety, but plants are still the big attraction.
Spread, as it is, across the church hall, the church itself and the grassed area between the two, parishioner and one of the organisers, Neville Gorrie, says that while Covid restrictions will make a difference to how things are done, there shouldn't be a problem accomodating all who want to attend.
"Before the churches combined, All Saints always had the plant fair," says another parishioner and organiser, Erica Tolley. "When we combined, it was decided to extend it and make it a parish fair. It's also a chance for us all to get together and work together at something other than Sunday worship."
"And involve the community as well," adds Din Bandara, All Saints parish manager.
"There has been a parish craft group that has been working all year heading towards this and we've focused mainly on Christmas decorations and little things like that," says Erica, who is part of the craft group. "We meet on a Tuesday and it's a great group of women."
Din says the 20-strong youth group has a leader who is good at woodwork.
"So he has got a number of them to come and help him. Last year he made Christmas trees out of wood, they made big jenga blocks and a picnic table, I think, and really good planter boxes," he says.