Just like The Three Musketeers, traders at the Oamaru Farmers Market believe in the ''all for one, and one for all'' motto - come rain, hail or snow.
Last month the regular Sunday market moved indoors to the historic Loan and Merc building in Harbour St, but due to mobile trading licensing restrictions, one vendor was unable to operate in the new winter premises and was forced to stay outside.
Farmers market chairman James Glucksman said the remaining vendors had now voted ''near unanimously'' to move back outside throughout the winter.
Mr Glucksman said although the issue with the trader provided the ''impetus'' for a discussion on the move, there were also other considerations as to why traders believed that remaining in the usual spot on Wansbeck St all year would be beneficial.
''We drew the conclusion that it is easier for us to promote the market when it is always in the same spot, and it is much more visible from the street and people driving past can drop by. Even when it's inclement weather it's quicker to get from the parking lot from the outside market, do your shopping and run back to your car, than it was in the indoor market. And so all these factors together decided us we should stay outside all year round.''
He added that traders would also be taking part tomorrow in the Breast Cancer Foundation's Pink Ribbon Breakfast event.
The market already had about 20 winter vendors and more than 30 summer vendors, but Mr Glucksman said it was hoped the market could grow even more.
He said new members were always welcome, and although the ''ins and outs'' of obtaining trading and food licences sometimes put potential new vendors off, help was available to those thinking of joining.
''If there is anyone out there in Oamaru with a business idea who thinks they might be interested in doing something with the farmers market, we are only too happy to help them get it started and help them figure out all the ins and outs of getting licences.
''There are a lot of things we would like to see at the farmers market, but sometimes people don't know how to go about getting their kitchen licence, so we would like to help them.''
