On 23 November, the Carmel College PTFA held their annual Christmas Market by the Lake. This carefully curated market is quickly becoming a hallmark event that the school and local communities look forward to and are connecting with, making memories attached to it.
The market had over 65 vendors with exquisite wares on sale, as well as food trucks and cafes on wheels to satisfy every hankering. The PTFA run Sausage and Bacon sizzles had some gourmet meats on offer. The jolly joy jars, lucky dips, candy and popcorn stalls and the face painting and balloon making, had the young ones in delight while the home baking stall, which included baking by professionals as well as senior students, had everything from Christmas cakes to Afghan cookies and “Rice Krispie Christmas trees” on offer.
The Champagne Terrace, as always, was indulgent and a beautiful place from which all the market could be surveyed, while sipping on Champagne and nibbling on gourmet platters. The Devonshire tea stall was abuzz with many a customer who caught up with old friends over a cuppa tea and freshly baked scones by our Year 10 students, or simply became a place to rest after all the hectic shopping while sipping on some soothing teas.
The raffles stall had spectacular prizes up for grabs – the first prize being a day at the North Shore Golf Club for 4 and a goodies hamper, all valued at $730; the second prize being a “Get Pampered in Milford” package valued at $590 with beauty and food vouchers donated by the businesses in Milford; and the third prize being 1 night’s stay for two at any FABLE hotel with cooked breakfast included. There were 17 other prizes ranging from the value of $300 to $100 each. This stall elicited great interest from all the visitors to the market who “ooohed” and “aaahed” over the prizes.
One of the highlights of the markets (and there were so many!) was the newly installed “Instagram Frame” which allowed visitors to capture beautiful memories of themselves against the backdrop of Carmel’s jewel in the crown – Lake Pupuke. There were prizes for the most memorable Carmel College PTFA tags up for grabs!
The market is a joint effort of the Carmel College PTFA, the staff and teachers of Carmel College, as well numerous students who step up to volunteer to make it a memorable and super special day for each visitor. And this year, we step back with the satisfaction of a job extremely well done.
Till the next time, have a blessed Christmas season and we hope to see you all at the Christmas Market by the Lake, next year.
