Handmade arts and crafts were at the order of the day at the Smuts House market in Irene on Saturday morning.
“We stick to arts and crafts, and people who make things themselves,” market spokesperson Sharon Wonfor said.
She said they focused on arts and crafts as it was a culture which had “gone out the window”.
A total of 60 vendors prepared and opened up their stalls on the day, awaiting Irene and nearby residents to shop.
Wonfor said although the number of stalls saw a decline when management changed a few years ago, vendors were returning.
“In 2016, the lady who originally ran the market left and she took a lot of vendors with her.”
She said the market was then left with only the loyalists who loved the history of former president Jan Smuts’ house.
“It has started building up again and people want to come back.”
Despite facing the knock in vendors, Wonfor said they wanted to keep the market going as it did not receive grants or government funding but instead relied on good-hearted people and sponsors.
The neighbouring Ouma’s Tea Garden offers market goers breakfast and lunch after they work up an appetite while shopping.
“Our favourite meal is the pot pie beef pie,” owner Jan du Toit said.
He said the restaurant and its staff was always ready to serve the people who attended the market and they also cater for functions.
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