Never underestimate the power of the people.
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And especially do not underestimate the power of strength in numbers via social media.
It was a lesson learned by a market organiser in Wagga recently.
She announced via Facebook that the markets were closing because she had time constraints due to other commitments.
The feedback and response was overwhelming, moving her to tears and to change her decision to close.
River and Wren has increased in numbers, in stall holders and participants, in the last five years.
There is a very strong handmade and homegrown culture in the Riverina and the market fosters that culture and its makers very well.
Try navigating through the markets, watching parents struggling to push prams through the crowd, or arms laden with parcels trying to make it through the people perusing.
The crowd is a sign of popularity.
Sales have been able to remain person-to-person rather than online, a renowned killer of small businesses.
These makers put themselves and their products out there and residents are not willing to let them go back to selling only online.
It's a place where regional makers and growers can sell their products and where residents can find unique gifts and items for their home.
And in a very short time after thinking it was closing, residents and stall holders wasted no time showing their support for it.
With so many businesses closing down and new ones opening up, residents don't want to lose a stable market, especially one that is run by local people.
It's humbling to see residents and stall holders raise their voices in support for local services.
If only such people power were enough to stop the multitude of other businesses from closing down.
Now that people have fought so hard to keep it, let's hope the community continues to support local made products.