Masterton Christmas Fair Draws Crowds for Successful Second Year

The second annual Masterton Christmas Fair, held on December 9, 2023, brought a vibrant atmosphere to the town’s main street, successfully building on the momentum of its inaugural event last year. Organised by the Masterton South Rotary Club, the fair featured over 100 stalls lining Queen Street, stretching from Jackson Street in the south to Park Street in the north.

Warwick Dean, the lead organiser from the Rotary Club, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the day was a resounding success. The fair attracted a diverse crowd, with more than two-thirds of visitors coming from Masterton itself. A survey conducted during the event revealed that approximately 11% of attendees traveled from rural areas, while 6% were from outside the Wairarapa region.

“Overall, it was a fantastic day for both visitors and stallholders,” Dean remarked. “At the peak of the day, the fair was really quite packed.”

The stalls showcased a wide variety of quality products, offering shoppers an extensive selection of items to explore and purchase. This event not only served as a marketplace for local artisans and businesses but also as a means for the Rotary Club to strengthen community ties through collaborative efforts in hosting such events. Funds raised during the fair are directed towards local causes, contributing to the overall welfare of the community.

In addition to shopping, attendees enjoyed live music on a dedicated stage and had access to a designated food area, enhancing the festive experience. The Wairarapa Boxing Academy played a notable role by assisting with recycling efforts, which served as a fundraiser for their initiatives.

Looking forward, the organisers are already planning the next Masterton Christmas Fair, aiming to secure a date for the second weekend of December in 2024. Dean indicated that the positive feedback and community engagement from this year’s event have set a promising foundation for future fairs.

The Masterton Christmas Fair has not only become a highlight of the local calendar but also an important event for fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. As it continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Masterton South Rotary Club and the enthusiasm of the local populace.