Niël Terblanché
The community of Swakopmund, in the spirit of Christmas, has come together to host the annual Swakopmund Street Fair, which promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.
This festive event, set to run until Saturday, 23 December 2023, has already attracted hundreds of visitors.
The Swakopmund Street Fair is not just a market; it is a celebration of community spirit, offering locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to come together, socialize, and build new connections in a lively and festive setting.
Daniel Tjongarero Avenue, the event’s venue, has been transformed into a bustling hub of activity.
To accommodate the festivities, the municipality has partially closed off the street, urging the public to use alternative routes during this period.
Representatives from the Swakopmund municipality expressed their enthusiasm for hosting events like the Street Fair, emphasizing their dedication to promoting the town as a holiday destination and recognizing the economic benefits that tourism brings to the area.
The response from stallholders was overwhelming, with approximately 150 applications received.
Unlike typical business expos, the Swakopmund Street Fair focuses on creating a festive atmosphere.
The event boasts a diverse range of offerings, including food stalls featuring fast-food vendors, a section dedicated to non-consumable products, health care and beauty products, handmade toys, children’s activities, games, and a myriad of arts and crafts.
In addition to showcasing the vibrant local talent, the fair provides an environment for people to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and engage with the community.
Starting from Friday, the fair will fill the weekend leading up to Christmas with entertainment, cultural displays, and a wide array of stalls offering an assortment of goods.
Organizers have promised that this year’s event will be a memorable experience, blending the joy of the holiday season with the warmth of community engagement.
While the Swakopmund Street Fair takes centre stage, coastal municipalities and authorities are not letting their guard down when it comes to safety and security.
Measures have been put in place to ensure the well-being of both residents and visitors during this bustling festive season.
Initiatives include improving street lighting in poorly lit areas and launching a CCTV Pilot Project for 24-hour surveillance linked to the Emergency Control Room in Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is also addressing social issues, with the Rauch Elohim Foundation, situated at Ocean View, playing a crucial role in preventing and ending baby dumping in Namibia.
The foundation provides a safe option for desperate mothers, including a Baby Saver Box for safe and anonymous baby abandonment without the fear of prosecution.
Additionally, the Roads Authority has extended the operating hours of the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay NaTIS centres to Saturdays in December.
This move aims to alleviate congestion and enhance service accessibility, ensuring a smoother experience for residents and visitors alike.
As the Swakopmund Street Fair continues to captivate the hearts of locals, visitors and tourists alike, it serves as a testament to the town’s spirit of togetherness, community engagement, and dedication to making the holiday season truly special.
Organisers of the street fair reminded people that there is still plenty of time for everyone to join in the celebration and experience the magic of Swakopmund this Christmas.
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