By Jamie Salter
Candles, clothing, cards and cider were just some of the items on display at the Akoonah Park Night Market held in Berwick over the weekend.
The night market has a strong emphasis on great food, family entertainment and handcraft stalls.
Live music added to the ambience as visitors enjoyed a range of market food including the potato twists, meat skewers and ice cream.
Akoonah Park Market coordinator Ian Gillespie said it was a successful evening.
“The idea of the market was to give back to stallholders who supported us during Covid-19,“ Mr Gillespie said.
“Our intention is always to look after the stallholder community as well as the broader community, and there was a lot of smiles on faces on both sides.“
About 233 sites were filled at the night market.
Mr Gillespie said a lot of organising went on in the lead up to the market, thanks to coordinators Jacqueline Bell and Des Honicke.
“After what everyone has been through in the past couple of years, it’s encouraging to see families out in groups enjoying themselves,“ Mr Gillespie said.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback and we’re looking at planning more but it’s all weather permitting.“
He said the regular Sunday market was also very busy as people enjoyed being outdoors once again.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin attended the night market to learn more about local issues.
“The market supports local small businesses and gives everyone a chance,“ Mr Battin said.
“Many of the businesses here are local and most of them are all ones that supported the community during Covid-19, so to have all of them here is really important.“
The market drew a large crowd on Friday 11 March, running from 4pm to 9pm.
The proceeds obtained from the market goes back into maintaining the Akoonah Park precinct.
