Spring fair moves location
The Kensington Spring Fair will not be taking place at its usual spot in Rhodes Park.
Set for September 7, this annual event will, for the first time, be taking place on the east side of the park close to the soccer fields.
This is due to the area close to the lake, band stand and old restaurant building being water logged.
Mrs Lornette Joseph, the chairperson of the I Love Kensington Association (Ilka), said she contacted Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) in February.
“This problem occurs every year. The area could be water logged due to natural springs, but I am unsure. This year we contacted the JCPZ early to make sure the problem was addressed. The park attracts several people and this area is unusable,” said Mrs Joseph.
She was informed that trenches would be created to drain the area but she does not believe there is enough time left, considering how much of the area is water logged.
The fair, which is attended by thousands of people every year, takes several months of preparation.
“Having to move the fair to the other side of the park now changes everything. Trucks will have to enter through another entrance, stall holders who have already paid will have to be contacted and informed of the change in plans and just the whole atmosphere will be different,” she said.
Mrs Joseph urged stall holders to bear with Ilka.
“Some stall holders paid a higher fee for ‘prime spots’. Now we have to inform them they cannot have these areas for their stalls. People used to enjoy the pipers playing next to the lake. This will no longer happen,” she said
She urged the JCPZ to address the water logged area as a matter of urgency.
“They have to address this problem, not only due to the fair, but for visitors in general. Council encourages residents to take ownership of open spaces yet they do not do the same. We host clean ups and are also launching the Friends of Rhodes Park initiative. I urge the JCPZ to play their part,” said Mrs Joseph.
With the fair taking place in the soccer field area, all soccer teams are advised that the grounds will not be available for use from September 4 until after the fair.
People wanting to book a stall should e-mail springfair@kensington.org.za or chair@kensington.org.za
The EXPRESS forwarded an enquiry to Ms Jenny Moodley on July 22. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
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