River and Wren Market owner Emma Grant with Bella and Phillip from popular market vendor Roseleigh Killer Pies. Photos: Marguerite McKinnon.
Wagga’s one-stop destination for gourmet delights and gorgeous gifts, the River and Wren Market, celebrated its 11th anniversary in style at the weekend.
More than 100 artisan stalls from the Riverina and beyond set up on a perfect sunny Sunday, selling handmade, homemade and homegrown delights to thousands who entered the gates from even before the official 10 am start.
Many were getting in early for Father’s Day and buying double-wall coffee keep cups with a hand-carved wooden finish, pottery coasters, glassware, and litre bottles of poppy seed dressing for those upcoming barbecues.
River and Wren Market owner Emma Grant smiled as she held a bunch of blue balloons while checking in on vendors and customers alike.
“You can see from all the people here that it’s going pretty amazing,” Ms Grant said.
“I’ve only had the market for three years, and to be able to carry on that legacy and keep it alive is an absolute privilege, to be honest.
“High-quality food, high-quality garments, just high-quality everything. I’m always amazed, not being a creative person myself, at what people can do. It just blows my mind.”
First-time River and Wren Market visitors Natarsha and Mathew Cartlidge with their daughters Matilda and Eleanor, 7 months.
First-time visitors to the River and Wren Market, Natarsha and Mathew Cartlidge, were impressed with the variety and quality of the stalls. The family moved to Wagga Wagga from Adelaide with their toddler daughter Matilda last year, before welcoming Eleanor, seven months.
“We saw it on Facebook, and I’ve seen the signs around (Wagga) a few times, and it’s great,” Ms Cartlidge said.
Meanwhile, her husband Mathew tucked into a beef and Guinness pie from Killer Pies, and some mettwurst (sausage).
Also a first-timer to the market was vendor Romanian Delights Gluten Free Crepes. Owners Alina and Danny Piloiu were kept busy making delicious sweet and savoury pancakes, including hickory-smoked pulled-beef crepes and pistachio-loaded crepes.
“This is our first time here at the River and Wren Market and we are really excited to be a part of it and to share our Romanian cuisine with you all,” Alina said.
Nearby, a beloved Wagga market regular, mobile coffee and food van 3 Dutchies, served freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats.
The River and Wren Market has two more events for 2025, on Sunday, 16 November, and Sunday, 14 December. Further details can be found on the market’s Facebook page.
