North Brisbane's twilight markets a hit with the community
North Brisbane's twilight markets a hit with the community
7 June 2018
The Twilight Community Markets at North Brisbane Corps are full of activities for kids, entertainment, music, food and stalls.
North Brisbane Corps’ Twilight Community Markets has become an increasingly popular outreach event, as well as raising funds for the growing youth and children’s ministry.
Run twice a year, the markets provide a fun night out for everyone, each time offering something different as well as the much-anticipated stalls, entertainment, coffee shop, thrift shop and food.
Last month, participants from the Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah), who attend Sunday meetings at the corps, also came to the markets to help out.
“They just loved it,” said Annie Senden, markets coordinator who is a community member at the corps. “They want to feel part of the corps, and this is one way we can include them.”
As part of the entertainment, Annie invites local schools to perform. Students from one local primary school attend Krash – a school holiday program at the corps for children from Prep to Grade 6.
Last month, the markets featured a petting zoo, pony rides for the kids, and a wide range of stalls. For the first time there was even a waiting list for stallholders.
“It’s such a blessing to have people from the church, like Annie, offer their ideas and time to create such an epic event and raising much needed funds,” said Corps Officer, Major Donna Todd.
“At our last markets, we were amazed by the crowds and the buzz. For the first time we had our Saturday Night Church running while the markets were on outside. Our wonderful property enables us to embrace and welcome our community onto our site and God-willing, continue to build relationships.”
The markets have offered different elements over the years, from people dressed in their national costumes serving food from their native countries, to barbecues, donuts from the corps’ machine and live music.
“Local families really enjoy the atmosphere of this event. Families from the corps, youth and young adults also come along to meet local families, connect with them and invite them to our programs and activities.”
The markets have come a long way since Annie was sitting in a North Brisbane Corps meeting in 2015 and had the idea of running a car boot sale at the corps to raise funds, and to get the community involved.
She took her thoughts to the Corps Officers, Majors Craig and Donna Todd, who supported the idea, and identified youth and children’s ministries as needing additional funds for their work.
“The community loved it, and over time we decided to give something completely different a try and moved to the Twilight Community Markets,” said Annie.
“The success and growth of the markets shows the community spirit of the area and the different ways we can connect with people.”
The next Twilight Markets will take place Saturday 27 October.
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