Long queues for cherries and berries at market

It was an early start for many but they must have known the weather was going to turn a tad damp.

The Otago Farmers Christmas Market went ahead yesterday morning with long queues outside the gates before they opened at 7am.

The shoppers poured into the market, heading for the standard wares: berries and cherries.

Many spread their money around but the berries were very popular.

Stallholder Roger Whitson said his strawberries were all sold within 15 minutes. 

Business had been brisk as soon as the gates opened but had thinned out when the rain arrived about 8.15am. The skies cleared after about half an hour.

Outram market gardener Neil Robinson said he had been very busy and his spring onions in particular were popular.

He had an eye-catching sign with his bank account on it. He said as a stallholder it was easier for him to take cash or have money directly put into his account.

Eftpos was welcomed but at times it was slow when the market became very busy, he said.

Market manager Michelle Driscoll said the queues started forming well before 7am which was normal for the Christmas market.

She said berries, particularly raspberries, were very popular with shoppers yesterday.

Strawberry growers however, have had a season to forget.

Waimate growers Caithness had almost their entire crop blown out by wind, she said.

The market would be open again as usual on Saturday, she added.