The first Kempsey Riverside Markets will open for trade on Saturday, December 7, selling produce and products, with a focus on quality, taste and design.

They are scheduled to run at Riverside Park, near the traffic bridge, on the first Saturday of each month.

Organisers have contacted potential stallholders to gauge their interest in the markets and have set an initial target of 30 stalls for the first event. 

They are an initiative of the Kempsey Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with members of the TAFE campus and supported by the council and Mid Coast Waste.

A market by the Macleay has been on the agenda for several years, with mayor Liz Campbell, former chamber president Sue Gorman and committee members Liz McPherson, Anne Flannagan and Maura Luxford instrumental in its germination.

“The idea was to utilise our river and to have a market showcasing local produce and manufacturing,” Cr Campbell said.

”Now that we’re no longer a highway town, it’s added to the timing.”

The Chamber chose Saturday as market day, and president Gary Scott said the aims were to boost the number of people coming into the town’s CBD on a trading day, and to give Kempsey and West Kempsey retailers an opportunity to take advantage of increased shopper numbers.

“This market will also provide local producers with an outlet to sell their goods and produce, which is an issue that many small producers can struggle with in regional areas,” he said.

“This will be an excellent chance to showcase locally produced items, with preference given to stallholders in the Macleay area.”

Mr Scott also encouraged anyone capable of hosting river-based activities, such as kayaking or paddleboards to get involved.

Markets coordinator Jodie Clarke has been impressed with the response, following months of planning by a small group of volunteers.

She is also keen to get schools on board.

“We won’t have stallholders with the same product, so shoppers will be sure of a wide range of goods on offer,” Ms Clarke said.

“There will be prizes and giveaways on the day, entertainment and activities for the kids.”

Stallholder applications are welcomed and anyone interested should contact Jodie Clarke on 0456 658 979, or go online to kempseyriversidemarkets.org.au