November 18, 2012
A constant stream of people passed through the Glendon Street Forecourt and Kingaroy Town Hall today to check out the inaugural Hand Made Expo Markets.
Organiser Kathy Cope said she was “absolutely thrilled” by the turnout, which she estimated at about 1800 people. Shoppers started turning up about 15 minutes before the markets opened at 9:00am and continued steadily until the close of business at 2:00pm.
All car parking spaces in Glendon Street were packed most of the day, as was the adjoining car park.
There were 36 stall holders at today’s markets, representing a range of South Burnett, Ipswich and Brisbane businesses.
Only three stalls cancelled because of problems caused by Saturday’s storms but they’re expected to be seen at the next market on December 16.
The markets feature only hand-made products and were started in Ipswich four years ago by Miriam Hasted and her twin daughters Micky and Liesa. The markets now also run regularly at Forest Hill, Morayfield and Redlands.
The concept was being trialled in the South Burnett today and if all goes well, will become a regular monthly event.
“We had a really successful day with all of our stallholders going home very happy,” Kathy said.
“The visitors and customers I spoke to loved the range and high quality and we handed out over 800 flyers as people walked through the doors.
“In fact, we estimate that up to 1800 people attended during the course of the day – pretty good for our first event; 99 per cent of today’s stallholders have already confirmed their bookings for the next markets in December, along with several new ones we’ve already had queries from.”
Kathy would like the markets to expand next month to include buskers, activities for children and more food stalls.
If you’re interested in taking part, contact her by email
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