Growing crowds at Christmas markets

Christmas markets in North Otago are increasing in popularity, with holiday markets in both Oamaru and Kurow expecting more stallholders than in previous years.

Organisers of the Oamaru Farmers Market Christmas market day, which takes place on Sunday, said 30 stalls had been confirmed this year, and market organiser Deirdre Nuttall said ''large numbers'' of people were expected to turn out on the day.

''Numbers over the last couple of weeks have increased, with people placing orders in advance for specific vegetables, hams, bread and cakes, getting ready for Christmas.

''We are hoping people get down early, as there will be a big turnout. It's going to be a huge market day and, of course, it is the exact date, 150 years ago, that the Oamaru Town Board first convened, so there are lots of celebrations taking place around town.''

The Kurow Festival Market Day, which takes place on December 29, will also be bigger than last year.

This year, the whole main street in Kurow will be closed to traffic. Stall convener Pam Currall said 49 stalls had already been booked in, but there was room for about 60 in total.

''With an increase in stall numbers from last year, the road closure has been extended to include the whole town.''

Ms Currall said that last year, the event attracted 40 stalls and was a ''phenomenal success'', and this year was already shaping up to be even better.

- andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz