According to Marki Franken, owner of Limpopo Markets Magoebas, organiser of farmers’ and other markets in the region, markets have become a way for ordinary people to boost the economy. “If all regulations are adhered to, it is a relatively safe space for families to spend time together outdoors instead of going to a crowded place like a mall.” Many have also turned to markets to supplement their incomes and to introduce their crafts or products.

“It is a nice informal way to market your own goods or products to people who otherwise will not necessarily go to a shop,” said a regular trader. “It is a pity that in the last six months we were not able to trade even though most markets are held in the open air with little risk of infection if protocols are adhered to,” she said. In one of the latest additions to markets around the area, Limpopo Markets will be hosting a beer fest at the Blueberry Heights in Magoebaskloof on Saturday, October 9.

Also read: Farmers’ Market coming up The event will give a platform to brewers across the province to showcase and promote their beers and hopefully grow their brands. The occasion is marketed as a family fun-filled day, as there will be a number of activities suited for everyone’s liking. The activities will include a 5km trail run, chilli eating competition, toddler run, fancy dress competition, just to name but a few.

There will also be a beer and gin garden, live music, handcrafts, fresh food and homemade bakes. Franken told the Herald that entry fees to attend vary between R125 all inclusive of all the activities, R100 for beer lovers especially, R55 for the adults’ festival and trail run, R40 for the kids’ festival and trail run, R25 for adults festival only and R20 for children’s festival only.

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Visitors will also get a free beer mug just for attending. “The event will start from 09:00 until 18:00, we want to give people enough time to return home safely. “At the same time we also encourage people visiting from other areas to book a night in one of the lodges in the mountain, because this is how the economy grows,” explained Franken. Franken added that they carefully set dates that do not clash with the other farmers’ markets in the region, as the aim is to grow the economy, not to compete with each other. For more information visit the Limpopo Markets Magoebas page on Facebook.