Pomona’s inaugural Christmas night market has proved to be a great success, and highlighted the community feel of the Noosa hinterland town.
In the past, shops have had a theme but traders and community groups got together this year to come up with a format that will grow.
Backed by Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce, the night market and late-night shopping included Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club and Slow Food Noosa.
Kay Kelloway of Pomona’s Little Pantry said the event on Friday evening was successful beyond expectations.
“It really blew us away,’’ Kay said. “It was good to see so many people in the streets supporting business and stall-holders.
“We were aiming for something a little bit different.’’
Stalls lined parts of Memorial Ave and Reserve St while shops remained open and embraced the idea.
There was live music in both streets as well as Pomona Hotel, and Cooroy-Pomona Lions held a sausage sizzle in Joe Bazzo Park.
Stalls ranged from community groups to local producers and artisans with hand-made items.
Always popular were cooking demonstrations in the street by chefs Matt Golinsky and Peter Wolfe.
Tamika Simpson launched her new cookbook Gypsy Green Food.
The market highlighted that people were wanting to shop locally and do it in one hit, Kay Kelloway said.
“It was encouraging for small businesses, and good to see artisans coming out to display their goods.
“The concept really worked and people are already wanting a stall at the next one.
“Holding it on the first week of December fitted in well, especially with Christmas in Cooroy this Friday (December 8.)
Stall-holders and traders were overwhelmed with the response to the market, not just from direct point of sale but about promoting their business and craft.
Slow Food Noosa president Jason Lewis said the Christmas spirit was alive and well in Pomona.
“It was a fantastic gathering of the community supporting its local businesses.’’
Slow Food vice president Rod Lees said it was a first for what should become an annual event.
