Greg Hunt, the entrepreneur who created Sai Kung Sunday Market, is looking for more sites where the 400 vendors on his books can also sell their wares. Sai Kung Markets Ltd, the company behind the Hong Kong Academy event, is seeking further locations at Yaumatei and on the Island, Greg said. They are already operating at Kellett School, but just a few times a year.
Launched 14 months ago, the Sai Kung market has become a much anticipated monthly event. Behind the scenes it is a business. Greg says he owns it 100 per cent.
To keep control, Greg said they limit tables for exhibitors to 70. “Otherwise we have found it gets crazy.” Table rent per day ranges from $300 for local farms to $1000 for food and beverage businesses. These rates are for Sai Kungers. If you not from our district, rates go up.
Visitor numbers on market days vary with “no rhyme nor reason” to a few hundred to more than 1000. Most are women 25 to 50 years old. Some are dads on kids duty.
Charities exhibit there free — Animals Asia, Catherine’s Puppies, Sailability — but most people are running a business. Some are just having a go, testing whether their hobbies can be commercial.
Some local businesses are now well established. Sai Kung’s Rais the Bar home-made chocolate is doing so well owner Priscilla Soligo recently started a factory, Greg said. Happy Cow sells dairy-free ice cream and Sam’s Jams kids’ pyjamas. Sue Tyson displays “fabulous” jewellery.
Some people come to eat. They are attracted by the smells of freshly baked breads and bagels. There is always some entertainment: face painting, a Bricks4Kids area for children to play in and music. Guitarist Warren Needham is expected to perform on May 3. Greg says he will join him on guitar and sing along.
The next Sai Kung Sunday Markets are May 3, 11 am to 5pm, and June 7 at Hong Kong Academy. www.saikungmarkets.com
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