Community Display | Tonsley Innovation District SA

Sunday: 4 May 

Community display [Funday Market] @ Tonsley Innovation District SA

Community Market Display: A Successful Outreach Event

Early Morning Setup
Our team had an early start yesterday, departing at 7 a.m. for the market precinct, approximately a 50-minute drive from our base. Upon arrival, we efficiently unloaded our mobile display unit “Bubsie” and positioned it in our designated area. Kevin then secured parking for our vehicle and trailer about a block away.

With just the two of us available for staffing today, we were grateful that Andrew, the event organiser, met us on-site and assisted with the setup. The markets officially opened at 10 a.m., but all exhibitors were required to be fully set up by 8 a.m. when vehicle access to the display area closed. This gave us some welcome time to examine other displays and network with fellow exhibitors before the public arrived.

Event Highlights
The event progressed smoothly throughout the day. Andrew captured video footage and photographs while we engaged with visitors. Colin joined us later in the morning to interview Kevin for their media platform, Living Ministry Media. The market managers visited our display several times to ensure everything was satisfactory and posed for photographs with us. We greatly appreciated their accommodation of our display request, especially given the short notice.

Adaptability Pays Off
We note with interest how our plans evolved effectively. Initially, we had scheduled a filming session in the main CBD for Sunday morning. When the market opportunity emerged, we shifted our focus. In retrospect, this adjustment proved fortuitous, as we later discovered the original filming location would have been inaccessible due to street closures for a marathon. These kinds of timing adjustments remind us how thoughtful planning often leads to better outcomes.

Afternoon Challenges
By midday, attendance had increased significantly, as had the wind velocity. Our location unfortunately created something of a wind tunnel effect, making us particularly grateful for the gazebo anchoring pods. We prudently lowered our display banner when it began acting as a sail. During this busy period, we also had the opportunity to meet with Justin Strauss, who oversees the venues where our upcoming displays will be featured, allowing us to coordinate details for those events.

Wrapping Up
Dismantling began around 3 p.m. when other exhibitors started packing up. Andrew returned from operating another display nearby and helped us prepare the larger items for transport. As the exhibition area cleared, the market managers permitted vehicle access, enabling us to load Bubsie and our supplies efficiently before beginning our return journey to the Elizabeth base.

Overall, it was a productive day with approximately 100 books distributed to community families and numerous meaningful conversations with market attendee