Rotary Martinborough Fair is good for business say local retailers

Jessica Jina from Jessica’s Living Room, Scotty from Scotty’s Meats and Dudley-Anne Hill from Neighbourhood Coffee had only good things to say about the recent South Wairarapa Rotary Martinborough Fair.  It seems it is good for their business and brings both local and new shoppers into the area to experience the Fair and check out the local shops.

Jessica Jina absolutely loves the Fair and begins planning for the day, six months in advance.  Passion exudes from Jessica – she loves the people, the day and the benefits the Rotary Martinborough Fair brings to local businesses.  “It’s two days each year when you can showcase your business and products”.  This year’s Fair brought in a record turn-over and she encourages other retailers to make the most of the opportunity the Fair provides.

Scotty from Scotty’s Meats has been participating in the Fair for over 27 years.  “I’ve participated in 54 fair days, from my premises in Jellicoe Street”.  This next Fair day on 6 March will be the last from Jellicoe Street as he will be moving to new premises.  “The Fair is good for Scotty’s Meats and we have a good time” said Scotty.  The February Fair seemed busier and more convivial than usual.  Money raised from the Fair enables Scotty to support local clubs through donations.  

Dudley-Anne Hill from Neighbourhood Coffee remarked that this year’s event was “a successful one for us and we do enjoy the Martinborough Fair – it’s a great day for us”.  Each year they purchase the space so they can put their tables and chairs out to be seen, and for Fair visitors to use.   Dudley-Anne remarked that they support it because “the money from the Fair goes to wonderful causes in the community”.  She appreciates the hours that the volunteers from South Wairarapa Rotary put into it.

Jessica Jina is a member of the South Wairarapa Rotary Club and enjoys knowing that the Club supports the local communities of Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough. “It helps local people and charities through its donations and provides career opportunities for young people through its community work”.

Rotary Martinborough Fair is held each year on the first Saturday of the month in February and March and for those who missed out on the February fair, there will be another chance to experience the Fair on 6 March. 

The Fair is organised and hosted each year by the South Wairarapa Rotary Club and is the major annual fundraiser for the Club.   Traditionally, around $100,000 after expenses, goes back into the South Wairarapa community through sponsorships, grants, donations and other events.  This makes the volunteers of South Wairarapa Rotary major contributors to the local community.  The Rotary Martinborough Fair is said to be the largest fair of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.

South Wairarapa Rotary wishes to thank the stallholders, and retailers for their continued support and participation and looks forward to seeing them again in March.  

The South Wairarapa Rotary President Brian Baxter also extends his thanks and appreciation to the Martinborough local community.

Photo caption: The heart of the Fair 

Highlight: Traditionally, around $100,000 after expenses, goes back into the South Wairarapa community through sponsorships, grants, donations and other events.  

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