Farmers Market in the heart of the city

Hamilton is only as boring as we allow it to be. Make a difference and help show the country (and ourselves) what the Waikato has to offer and how strong our community is!

With farmers' markets having proven their value to urban areas for centuries (access to fresh, local produce, direct link between farmers and consumers, support of the local economy, etc.) you probably think that farmers' markets get funded by the city.

Sadly, this is not the case. Instead, farmers' markets are not-for-profit organisations that have to work with very little means and try hard to make expensive inner-city trading possible.

The Hamilton Farmers' Market was established 10 years ago, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far:

- Up to 50 stalls offering fresh, local produce and locally made food products

- 70,000 customers per year

- Outdoor sitting area with music

- Hardy vendors who show up in rainstorms regardless of the lack of customers

Since the beginning we have been looking for a suitable permanent home that serves our members and the community alike. We finally found it - the perfect building and grounds for an indoor/outdoor farmers' market in the heart of Hamilton East!

With our new location at Claudelands we want to attract as many Hamiltonians as possible by offering accessibility and comfort year-round.

This means you will also be able to:

- Shop year-round sheltered from the elements in an indoor farmers' market

- Walk, bike or take the bus to the market

- Have more products to choose from due to the additional vendors an indoor market attracts

- Meet your neighbours and friends and relax in the indoor or outdoor sitting area listening to local buskers

- Learn about the farmers' market's involvements in the community and get involved yourself

- Join Open Farm visits, cooking classes or the Friends of the Farmers' Market volunteering team

The barn, our future home, is part of the Claudelands Arena complex and doesn't come cheap. Expenses will exceed our current costs at the Te Rapa Racecourse car park. Before we can be the best farmers' market in New Zealand, we have to cover immediate costs, and that's where your donation comes in:

We need your help to purchase a billboard, other signs and essential equipment for the new location ($5,000 right then and there) and spread the word to let Hamiltonians and potential vendors know about our move to this fantastic place. We need your help to make the market an enjoyable Sunday morning experience and set the way to becoming a centrepiece of the community and help residents of all ages and means to eat nutritious, local food. We want people to get excited about knowing where their food comes from and how to prepare it, being out and about and feeling connected to their own community.

THANK YOU

We will say thank-you in many ways - by inviting you to our Grand Opening on 7th August with samples, door prizes and great music, by offering specials, discounts and unique merchandise just for you, and by letting you have a say in the market and volunteer when and where you can. Share your details with us during the donation process and you will automatically become a member of Friends of the Farmers' Market!

Please also help us by sharing this link on Facebook, Twitter or by emailing it to your friends, family and co-workers. Only with YOU can we create a vibrant, all-season farmers' market Hamilton can be proud of.