Celebrating Community - The Strawberry Fare
The Waimate Strawberry Fare is an established event on the South Island calendar attracting, annually, over ten thousand locals and visitors from far and wide. With over 280 vendor stalls, plenty entertainment, food and refreshments it provides an opportunity for Christmas shopping, a chance to chat with friends or simply enjoy a fun day-out. To organise an event on such a scale requires the commitment of a dedicated and hardworking committee of volunteers. Strawberry Fare celebrated its 40 years anniversary last December. Members of the organising committees have come and gone, with many remaining dedicated for several years - a testament to the quality of the event organisation, and to the team culture that has been fostered.
The event began in 1985 under the auspices of the Waimate Art Group who were seeking a location for an outdoor exhibition. Chair at the time, Mrs Jackie Butler, suggested hosting a Strawberry Fare, tying it in with the centennial celebration of growing strawberries in the Waimate district. By 1987 the concept of the Fare had grown. It was taken on by the Waimate Community Arts Council and Waimate District Council Promotions, and was held on Seddon Square where it has remained ever since. Numbers of stallholders continued to increase and the Fare extended to neighbouring Boland Park.
Members of one of the original organising committee, 1994. From left: Yvonne Dyer, Bobbie Laurie, Nanette Wright and Edith Brown, absent Jackie Butler. (TH)
Strawberry Fare Committee, c.2003. From left: Donette Fargher, Bevan Knowles, Fiona Brown, Carolyn Johns, Donald Butler,Bobbie Laurie, Joy McIvor, Pat Robinson and Barbara Mewburn.
The committee meets regularly, beginning the new year with a debrief of the previous December event, and stepping up meetings as the day of the Fare draws closer. Over the years, sometimes as a result of trial and error, the group has successfully streamlined the event as they co-ordinate the strawberry growers, funders, sponsors, promotions, stallholders, entertainers, the setting-up, cleaning up and all that goes on in-between.
Committee members are adamant that Strawberry Fare involves a huge amount of community support and would not survive without this input. But it goes without saying, this wouldn’t come together without the time and energy put into the planning, preparation, and co-ordination work of the committee.
Strawberry Fare Committee, 2025. From left: Katie Beemster, Sheryl Frew, Dixie Boraman, Barbara Mewburn, Clare Saunders Tack, and Janine Fisher. Absent: Andy Saunders Tack.
Hats off to these good sorts, committee members past and present, for helping put Waimate on the map with such a fun-filled iconic event.
If you are interested in helping on the Strawberry Fare Committee please contact info@waimatestrawberryfare.co.nz
By Karen Beker.