- Staff writer
CAPE GREEN POP-UP TRADE DAY
The Cape Green Forum held a very successful pop-up trade day on 17 March 2021 at Kelvin Grove near Newlands, Cape Town. With the current Covid restrictions, traditional trade days are not permitted, so the Cape Green Forum committee came up with the novel idea of pop-up trade days. The number of exhibitors was limited, with set-up and opening times being shortened.
The cricket field at Kelvin Grove provided an ideal venue, with ample space for social distancing for both exhibitors and visitors. The former were encouraged to create as much of their stands as possible on, in and around their vehicles. This meant that they could drive in, park, open their boots, let down their bakkie sides or merely open their truck doors and they were ready for business. It was amazing to see what could be displayed from the back of a small bakkie, and the visual impact made by a truck filled with colour.
Exhibitors arrived at 8am, and visitors at 9am. The gate security had a list of attendees and temperatures were taken upon entering. Hand sanitisers were provided at the entrance and at stands, and all Covid protocols were followed. The event was well attended and it was clear that people were happy to be out in the open, seeing colleagues face to face for the first time in ages, and in a safe environment. Exhibitors included growers, garden and nursery suppliers, fertilisers, pots, organics, seeds, growth enhancers and more. The trade day closed at 1pm and half an hour later, the cricket field was cleared and set up for cricket practice.
All 24 exhibitors reported ‘good feet’ and interest during the morning and it is possible that this will be the way forward for trade days, if restrictions continue.
