One of the New England’s coolest towns is choosing to embrace the winter chill and hold a series of market days in honour of their chilly climate.
Leaning into the tagline “10 degrees cooler” the Walcha market series will kick off on Sunday 8 June, for a day of what Fiona Barden from the Walcha Business Group is calling “winter delights”.
“We know Walcha is cold but rather than huddle in for the winter, this year we’ve decided to really celebrate where we live and find enjoyment in our climate.” said Ms Barden.
The market will feature a range of local goods for sale, great food from the surrounding cafes and live music but will offer a wintery twist.
“We’re going to have firepits, toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate,” she said.
“And we’re very excited to announce our real surprise inclusion – a snow machine!”
The market series is planned for three dates this year, Sunday 8 June, 13 July (which will be a special Christmas in July theme) and 10 August. All dates will run from 9am – 1 pm in McHattan Park. It is hoped that the markets will become an annual occurrence and will attract day trippers and weekend travellers from around the state and beyond.
“The local business community are all playing a huge role in the coordination of this event and we’re encouraging our local businesses to have pop-up stalls at the markets,” said Ms Barden.
The first market weekend will also feature an art event. Entitled “Create in Walcha,” this series of art workshops will run on Saturday. Visitors can take up to two of the six workshops on the day.
“Walcha is known for having a really vibrant artistic community so we wanted to take the opportunity to promote and embrace that,” said Ms Barden.
“To name a few, we will have an internationally renowned embroiderer, and a nationally renowned woodturner and leather maker running classes on the Saturday.”
Some of the finer details are still being ironed out but Ms Barden said the best place to find out more about each market, and the art classes is via the Walcha Business Facebook page, or via Walcha Tourism.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now