A kids’ market – with second-hand items through to baking to arts and crafts being supplied by youngsters – is on at Whakamārama today, Saturday, September 16.

Organiser Debbie Allan says dedicated young entrepreneurs from the area have been busy making, curating or acquiring items to sell at the market.

“Sellers of primary, intermediate and college age will be tempting visitors with everything from quality second-hand items and baking to arts and crafts and plants. Visitors will also be entertained by young buskers.”

Ethan Klem with his seedlings for sale. Photo: supplied.

Debbie says the response to the market has been “overwhelming” and the community is “buzzing with excitement and anticipation of what these young sellers have on offer”.

“Students from around Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty were invited to participate and were quick to take the opportunity to have a space at the Kids Market, which will be more than just toys and cupcakes.”

Debbie says young sellers are taking the opportunity to hone their creative talents, making handmade gifts for the home and garden.

Whakamārama brothers Mattel and Quentin Dubois have created and illustrated a card game called the ‘Fly Funky Fly’ card game – inspired by their experience in France when overrun by flies.

Eleven-year-old David Allan has found a keen interest in wood, working through his technology classes at Whakamārama School busily crafting wooden gifts and toys.

The ‘Fly Funky Fly’ card game created by Whakamārama brothers Mattel and Quentin Dubois. Photo: supplied.

Whakamārama School Year 6 student Ethan Klem has enjoyed his school’s Garden to Table programme so much he’s cultivated vegetable seedlings to sell to other gardeners, “so they can grow their own kai too”.

Not all the sellers are novices however – Ōtūmoetai College student Loralei Feist has built up her own little business Sew N Love in the last few years.

“Loralei sews cute, affordable and practical gifts for all ages, from sock monkeys to kids’ wallets and hair accessories.”

Whakamarama Kids Market is 3pm-5pm, today, Saturday, September 16 at Whakamārama Community Centre. More information is at the Whakamarama Kids Market Facebook event page.