Arts, Crafts and More!

Market Cayman's stalls were recently full of original, innovative and practical inventory and despite the many events going on lately, vendors were happy for a place to showcase their wares.

This Saturday the plan is the same. In fact, organisers are preparing the official opening of the island's first automatic merry-go-round.

Market Cayman, an open-air craft/art bazaar where goods are displayed at no cost to the vendors, is held each Saturday, across from the Annex Playing Field in George Town.

At the inaugural show, Frankie's Fresh Fruits and Juices was one of the many delights for the pedestrian traffic that moved through the market, and farmers assure that there will be mangoes and other island fruit aplenty for the summer.

Craftwork from Trica Martin, Colleen Gibson, Janelle Ebanks and Corinthia's Night Owls lent sparkle to the scene and offered fairgoers some home-decorating ideas. Displays included beautiful handmade dolls, wine bottles adorned with paint and sand, and wall hangings made of thatch and shells. In addition to providing a babysitting service, Corinthia's Night Owls carve critters and popular Disney characters for children's nurseries. Ms Gibson, who was down from Cayman Brac, showed her thatch work and Caymanite jewellery.

Local luxury items store Ambience and Home and Storage Space Solutions also shared decorating ideas and offered some practical solutions for storage problems. Clothing vendors offered suggestions for personal adornment.

Kids were treated to face painting, cotton candy and rides on the Islands' first automatic merry-go-round. Snow-cones gave both kids and adults some relief from the heat.

"It's nice to have a location like this to display my goods," said Judy Ann Davies. "Every item in this stall is something that I have used in my house." Janelle Ebanks, who turns ordinary bottles into things of beauty and who produces wall art, was also pleased at the opportunity to showcase some of her unique artwork.

Beulah McField, one of the event's organisers, voiced her hope for better attendance in the future: "I thought it went well, but I would have liked more people to have come out to see what we had. I realise that we were competing against many big events that day, but we are in this for the long haul," she said.

A concert on the previous Friday night saw Intransit and Big J entertain a small audience.

Said Dr. the Hon. Frank McField, Minister for Community Affairs: "We want people to get into the habit of visiting McField Square. In time, I am sure that this will be a great place for commerce. We urge residents and visitors alike to come out and help the market grow."