A Festive Fair
Santa’s little helpers Chiggy, Boo and Orlando have been very busy. Collectively known as The Flying Gecko Project, they're the jolly team behind the muchâloved Green Ant Christmas Craft Fair.
By Tierney Seccull
Formerly the Marrara Christmas Craft Fair, this beloved marketplace has spread Christmas cheer for more than 30 years, originally created by local creative Di Whittaker who handed over the [sleigh] reins to Flying Gecko in 2018.
This month, everyone’s invited to the air-conditioned halls of Darwin Showgrounds to explore more than 140 creative craft stalls over two joy-filled days. Not only can you knock over your pressie shopping in one fell swoop, but it’s also pretty sweet knowing your hard-earned dollars support local artisans.
“A main benefit is just the love that people pour into things when they make them, and the fact that it’s not just some mass-produced thing that’s been punched out of a factory. It’s been made with care and attention to detail,” Boo says.
“There’s also that lovely two-way thing – when you buy something handmade, you’re getting something beautiful, but you’re also giving the maker a buzz. If you buy something from a maker that they have made, that they’ve put themselves into, it's very affirming for the artists.”
This treasure trove of handmade creations boasts a wide range of gift ideas, with everything from scented candles to tasty treats, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and art. You could even score some sweet threads for Christmas Day lunch! Boo says there’s a lot of new content this year.
“We’ve got quite a few new stalls, which is exciting because it mixes it up for us as well as the audience. It’s always really lovely when you’ve got happy stallholders at the end of the event, who’ve had a good weekend and feeling a buzz.”
Grab something delicious from one of the food stalls and stick around for morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea – or all the above. And once you’ve ticked off the gift list, why not treat your elf – er, self – to some goodies of your own? Go on.
Green Ant Christmas Craft Fair
WHEN SAT 25 & SUN 26 NOV 9AM-4PM
AT ROYAL DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS
COST $4 | FREE CHILD
INFO greenantcraftfair.com
Thumbnail & inset: Megan Wild, 'Bush Stone Curlews', Glazed Ceramic, Steel
