Celebrations for the 65th anniversary of Naas Country Market are to coincide with International Friendship Day.

This is intentional and significant, explains Naas Country Market PRO and market food producer Karen Plewman, who says it is the camaraderie and sense of community among the producers and customers that has kept the market trading through thick and thin since 1952.

To mark the occasion, on Friday 28 July, there will be entertainment and refreshments in the foyer of Naas Town Hall from 9.45am to 1.15pm. All involved will come together and admire the hard work that has seen Naas grow to become one of the largest country markets in Ireland.

ringing in the next 65 years

Minister for Community and Rural Affairs, Michael Ring, will visit on the day and Karen says it is fitting he be there, as it is initiatives like country markets that keep rural Ireland afloat.

A harp player and various singers will perform on the day, while the market producers have also planned a touching and apt performance.

“We have formed a little mini-choir within the market and will sing a song we put together about various members of the market. It’s to the tune of With a Little Help from My Friends, with apologies to Lennon and McCartney,” quips Karen.

Homegrown

Taking place every Friday morning at Naas Town Hall, the produce sold at the market includes baked goods, eggs, fruit, vegetables, flowers, jams, preserves and craft items. Everything is homegrown and all food items are freshly made. That is the golden rule, Karen states.

“Nothing can come back out of the freezer. Everything has to be freshly baked for the market on Friday, so Thursdays are our busiest days.”

From the outside looking in, it may seem the focus of the market is on the produce, but there is a little more depth to Naas Country Market. It is the friendship between the producers and customers that keeps it going year after year.

“There are times when I think: ‘Well, I teach piano as well. Will I give up the market?’ But it is the social aspect from my perspective that I enjoy just as much as the little bit of pocket money,” smiles Karen. CL