Rosie Powell says this Saturday’s market is the perfect place to find unique gifts and support the community. Photo: Supplied.
The countdown to Christmas is on and the team behind Wagga’s Marramarra Aboriginal Markets are promising more than just a chance to pick up a few stocking stuffers.
“It goes from 3 pm to 8 pm and we’re putting things on throughout that whole time,” says Rosie Powell from Prickly Lizard Events.
“It’s not just a market where you just walk around once, get a couple of gifts and then you go home. We want people to come for the whole experience.
“We want people to come, see, listen, talk to people and enjoy a great atmosphere.”
The line-up includes traditional dance and song, cooking demonstrations and plenty of local performers such as Lawrence ‘Lollipop’ Barlow, Amanda Hayes and Tahalianna.
Lawrence ‘Lollipop’ Barlow will be one of the performers at the markets. Photo: Chris Roe.
There will also be plenty of Aboriginal-inspired foods to try showcasing native ingredients.
“We’ll have our burger van there where we’ve got a roo burger and our coffee, there’ll be native-inspired sweets boxes, Aboriginal traditional stews, and lots of different Aboriginal food products, it’s going to be fantastic!” says Rosie.
Saturday’s event will be the third Marramarra Aboriginal Markets and they are aiming to get a head start on the silly season.
“It’s starting to get really good traction, which is good and I think it’s just a perfect time for people to look at buying local,” she says.
“There’s all levels of gifts there too from those small secret Santa gifts or if you’re looking to buy a really nice family gift and we have some truly amazing artists that are there selling their pieces, so it’s also an investment in authentic Aboriginal art.”
“There’s a lot of people putting their time and effort and their knowledge and their story in it, which is beautiful.
“And being able to talk to the artist is an experience on its own!”
Local artist Ashleigh Pengelly sells a broad range of products under her ‘Little Black Duck’ brand. Photo: Supplied.
Rosie explains supporting local Aboriginal businesses can have a positive impact on the whole community.
“It’s definitely not just a local artist or a local family you’re supporting, you’re supporting the whole community because in Aboriginal communities we all share, we all work together,” she says.
While they had planned to bring the markets back to Wollundry Lagoon, Rosie says the weather and mosquitos made Hammond Hall at the showgrounds a safer option.
“The good thing is that it doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or it’s hot or windy or whatever, and it’s a great place for elders to be able to come down and just sit to have a coffee,” she says.
“But I also don’t want people to think it’s just for Aboriginal people. It’s for the whole community and we welcome everyone to come down and have a great time.”
The markets kick off at 3 pm on Saturday and you can find out more here.
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