Umhlali Village Market Brings Charming Village Alive
The Umhlali Village Centre came alive again in a Clarens Style Village Market on Saturday. Local Artists, Home Industry Vendors and Clever Crafters traded their specialty wares within the quaint environs of the old Umhlali Village Station.
Local and out-of-town visitors thronged to the quaint Umhlali Village Centre in the first of what will become a regular Market Feature on the Ballito Dolphin Coast.
Local business entrepreneur and musician, Vernon Malyon saw the opportunity some time ago. “For me, the Umhlali Village has a special vibe. I hated to see it empty and wanted to revive it to the kind of market you see in Clarens (Orange Free State) – an art and craft kind of market which attracts people looking for something special and unique…I wanted it to become a destination attraction bringing people from miles away to enjoy the quaint village vibe, old world values and the type of quality products local entrepreneurs create.” he said.
I wanted to create the kind of market you have at Clarens where people from miles away come to experience it.”
Malyon’s fiancee, Cindy Snodey, has already changed the atmosphere of the old station buildings, reigniting life into the area with her retail initiative “Second Chance” providing good quality second hand furniture and appliances at reasonable rates. The couple’s latest initiative is set to launch soon. Snodey (previous owner at Natural Living Home and Decor at Burnedale), will open a similar retail outlet at the Umhlali Station, focusing on quality country cottage themed home decor products.
The addition of regular Umhlali Village Market events has opened the opportunity for more visitors and traders to enjoy the charming village center. In the first Umhlali Village Market, 85 independent traders displayed their wares to a steady stream of visitors. Malyon showcased his musical talents, providing live music backdrop to the day’s activities. All traders reported lively, consistent trade and visitors enthused over the quaint charm of the venue.
Photo CreditL Cindy Snodey.
See More About Umhlali Village:
All Aboard? Last Stop Umhlali – A Second Chance for Village.
The picturesque village train station has new life with a local business entrepreneur conducting the charming revamp.