The Narrabri River Markets have become a Narrabri institution over the years.
There have been peaks and troughs, including the COVID hiatus, but nowadays the markets are firmly entrenched as part of the community scene.
The riverside markets were born some 25 years ago.
There was shire council debate about the wisdom of allowing the area designated ‘Open Space’ land in Selina Street to be used as a venue, but ultimately approval was given.
Initially it was mooted in council that the markets could only start selling after midday when local stores were shut and that proviso remained in place until it was subsequently relaxed some years later.
However, the trend has seen out of town stallholders coming to the riverbank and for many out of town customers to be drawn in to Narrabri.
The markets have passed through several ownerships since they were first set up.
Nowadays Narrabri Rotary Club, operators of the markets for more than a year, stage the monthly event.
A former owner, Tricia Hadley, who donated the function to the Rotary Club of Narrabri when she stepped down, said the markets drew many our of town visitors to Narrabri.
“People come from places like Walgett for the trip to Narrabri,” Tricia said.
Saturday’s markets drew one of the biggest crowds yet.
A tent city was in place by early morning with kiosks and tents spread across the riverside.
There were 53 exhibitors with goods on display ranging from handicrafts to farm eggs, craft stalls, collectables and art down to the ubiquitous and always busy Lions barbecue.
The markets are much more than a commercial event, they are a social and family occasion – many enjoy the sense of community, meeting up with friends and generally catching up.
When the weather brings blue skies as it did on Saturday, the fair like atmosphere lends itself to the occasion and the market goers make the most of it.
