Christmas Fair a huge success at New Park

Dec. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Over 4,500 people came to this year’s bustling Christmas Fair, packed with over 80 stands selling local festive produce, gifts and crafts. The National Park Rangers were also dressed up as elves making wooden reindeer and even Santa popped by to say ‘Merry Christmas’.

Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager and Christmas Fair co-ordinator, said: ‘This is the first year we have had a Fair at New Park and we would like to thank the stall holders and visitors who came along to support the event.’

‘The aim of the fair was to give local producers a platform to sell their food and craft. With such an impressive number of visitors and positive feedback from stall holders we will definitely be doing it again next year.’

Denis Dooley, Show Secretary at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, said: ‘We are so pleased to have been involved in this event. It was great to see so many independent local businesses all in one place.

‘New Park is a great location for a Christmas Fair and everyone who came really enjoyed themselves. It also added something extra for to those who come every year to buy their Christmas trees.’

Gary North, Recreation Manager at the Forestry Commission, said: ‘The Forestry Commission staff were rushed off their feet this weekend selling Christmas trees. The Fair has been a great draw and we were pleased to be a part of it.’

The Forestry Commission will be selling Christmas trees until Friday 21 December or until they run out of stock. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/Christmas.

-ends-

Notes to Picture Editor:

Left to right – Denis Dooley, Show Secretary at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, Alison Barnes, Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority.

More pictures available on request.

Notes to Editor:

About the New Forest National Park Authority

Protect - Enjoy - Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:

§  Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect

§  Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:

§  Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk