Sun shines on annual Marton Harvest Fair

A traction engine was one of the offerings at the annual Marton Harvest Fair on Sunday. Photo / Bevan Conley

Marton Park was bathed in glorious sunshine on Sunday, which was a huge blessing for organisers of the annual Marton Harvest Fair.

More than 400 people headed to the fair from 10am eager to see and sample what was on offer.

Even a small cafe across the street, usually closed on Sundays, opened its doors and staff were run off their feet all day.

From the biggest homegrown pumpkin, the delectable pumpkin pie competition to the home brew competition and a geese herding display, fairgoers had plenty to choose from between the 60-odd stalls.

A company of circus performers walked along on stilts while many people sampled the wares from the stalls.

There was everything on sale from rabbit-skin fingerless gloves to pottery red poppies for Anzac Day and padded sleeves for young mums to wear on their arm to support baby when breast feeding.

Innovative wares were everywhere, along with stalls piled high with home baking, chutneys, jams and trays of toffee apples.

Several fabric artists had included Easter in their fair theme; there were small crafted felt pockets, bunnies and chickens sporting a chocolate egg tucked inside, while one keen knitter had even crafted tiny woollen nests with eggs in.

Celebrity chef Jax Hamilton attracted fairgoers.

One local man said this year's fair was a huge improvement on last year. "It had more oomph,'' he said.

"Newish" resident Ali Hale Tilley said the fair was fabulous because Marton and its people were wonderful.

"It couldn't fail really.''