Long before buying and selling became a matter of scrolling and clicking, people were meeting at The Channon to trade and barter goods.
They also had environmental concerns to talk through. The market gave them a place to do both.
Fifty years later, The Channon Craft Market is preparing to celebrate a milestone that stretches well beyond the stalls.
The anniversary market takes place this Sunday, October 11, from 9am to 3pm at Coronation Park, with handmade goods, food, music, performers and buskers.
‘This October, come back to The Channon and celebrate 50 years of this much-loved community market,’ the anniversary invitation reads.
The market began in The Channon Hall in 1976, before outgrowing its original home and moving to the park.
Its ‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ ethic has remained part of its identity, giving local makers and growers a place to sell their work and neighbours a reason to get together.
It has also become a fundraising venue for surrounding communities.
Local charities take turns using the market kitchen and collecting donations at the gates, helping support organisations including schools, preschools, halls and rural fire brigades.
For the surrounding villages, a market day can also mean money for the organisations that help hold a community together.
There is an environmental thread running through Sunday’s program too, with Nan and Hugh Nicholson leading a BioBlitz from 11am to noon as part of Richmond Riverfest.
And for those whose ambitions extend only as far as finding lunch and somewhere to sit, the anniversary program includes a chai tent, food stalls and local music.
Entry is free.
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