Night market to accompany Starlight Parade

November 5th, 2015

The first of what may be a regular Motueka night market will be held in Decks Reserve during and after this year's Starlight Parade.

The market organisers are currently taking bookings from local stallholders who have wares to sell to Christmas present shoppers between the hours of 5pm and 9pm.

With the Starlight Christmas parade taking place on High Street from 7pm - 8pm, people have a chance to attend the market before or after the parade.

The market is being organised by parents from Motueka Playcentre, with stallholder booking fees going to the playcentre, a parent-run early childhood education centre that provides a space for children to learn through play alongside their parents.

People associated with the event are hoping that this will be the first of a regular series of markets through the summer months.

"We decided to create the night market as a fundraiser because it seemed like a great match with the Christmas Parade, and something we would enjoy organising and attending," said Amanda Davis, president of Motueka Playcentre.

Starlight Christmas Parade organiser Julie Jacobson is working alongside the market organisers. "I think a market is a great idea," she said.

"It will be a great addition to the festive atmosphere, and give families a chance to wander around before or after the parade."

She suggested a Friday night market each week could work in Motueka, with a different community group receiving the funds raised each time. "It is something that Our Town Motueka may want to consider."

She said a night market operates in Rotorua every Thursday night and recent reports noted that $150,000 is withdrawn from the ATM's each night the market is on. It is so successful that this summer they are opening a second city block.

Eva Lawrence, a playcentre mum and stallholder coordinator for the market, said "This is the first year for the Christmas night market, and we plan to make an annual event. We are excited to be creating a festival environment for locals and visitors to gather together and buy Christmas presents from our local artisans."

For further information and to book a stall, contact either at 11 or .

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