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A recent market where all the stalls were run by children (HM June 16) was so successful that another one is in the pipeline.
A total of 22 stalls filled Stanmore Bay Hall to the brim on Saturday, June 26.
The market’s environmentally friendly focus encouraged the young entrepreneurs to upcycle, recycle, barter, buy and swap goods on the day. Organiser Karen Miller says there was a steady stream of customers.
Toys and sweet treats, as expected, featured at many stalls and were among the most popular with the young shoppers but there were a wide range of things to attract customers, including books, clothing, plants, items made with a 3D printer and artwork such as hand-painted pinecones. One stall sold ‘butterfly kits’ comprising a terracotta pot, paint to colour it with, swan plant seeds and decorations.
“There was lots of buying from each other, making new friends and for most of them, their first ever earnings,” Karen says. “A highlight for many was counting out their money at the end of the day. All the children have the satisfaction of getting a step closer to their goals, and they had a great time interacting with each other and the public.”
Karen says feedback from the young stallholders made it clear that fun and making friends were key elements in the day’s success, along with earning money and spending some of it at other stalls.
Any money over and above the costs of holding the market went to Stanmore Bay School’s Enviro Kids group, who also raised money by selling seed bombs. The total raised for the group was $180, which is earmarked for seeds.
Karen wants to thank the community for supporting the kids’ endeavours and says there is no doubt that there will be another Kids’ Market. To join the waitlist, email stanmorebaykidsmarket@gmail.com
