On Saturday morning, 21 September 2024, the eagerly awaited Cerklje Market took place in Cerklje, drawing crowds of locals and visitors to the front of Kmetijska zadruga Cerklje (Cerklje Agricultural Cooperative). Warm sunshine, cheerful company and a pleasant atmosphere made for a lively and varied event. Local producers filled their stalls with authentic home-made treats, handmade products and fresh produce that simply begged to be bought. A real sense of community could be felt at the market.
Visitors could choose from a variety of products from local producers:
- Čebelarstvo Franci Strupi: honey
- Kmetija Pr' Špan: honey, honey products, freeze-dried fruit
- Čebelarstvo Jelenc: honey and honey products
- Piščančjereja Galjot: chicken meat, salamis, meatloaf (mesni sir), pâtés, eggs, noodles, quail eggs
- Unikati Nati: one-of-a-kind ceramics – cups and mugs, platters, cups with saints
- Teja Sulejmanovič – Dekle z rožo: hand-embroidered items (greeting cards, second-hand clothing) and wire earrings
- Elvira Kralj: crocheted items and bobbin lace
- Kmetija pod Storžičem: dairy products, dry-cured salamis
- Šivarija Marija: one-of-a-kind children’s clothing and textile accessories
- Mestna knjižnica Kranj (Kranj City Library) – Cerklje local library: presentation of activities, promotional membership, Modri pes (Blue Dog)
- Karate klub Cerklje: quick Sankukai karate training sessions, workshops for the youngest, club enrolment, prize draw
- Atletski klub Cerklje: presentation of activities on an athletics obstacle course
- EA Šport: popcorn, candyfloss, helium balloons
- Plesna šola Špela: dance performance by children’s groups
As well as the rich selection of local products, the market also delighted visitors with a variety of activities that kept children entertained and active.
Mestna knjižnica Kranj – Cerklje library prepared a Library Carnival, where the youngest happily took part in creative workshops and games. The centrepiece of the event was kamishibai, the Japanese art of storytelling with illustrated cards, which took the children into an intriguing fairy tale about castle ladies. Modri pes (Blue Dog), the family reading mascot, also made an appearance, entertaining visitors and encouraging children to read. The library also organised the Library Olympics, where children competed in various challenges for prizes.
On the other side of the market, Karate klub Cerklje provided some sporty action. Visitors could try their hand at mini training sessions in Sankukai karate, learning the basics of martial arts under the guidance of experienced coaches. The club also prepared fun workshops for the youngest, where children showed off their agility and strength. In addition, the club ran a prize draw and invited everyone interested to enrol in their programme.
For all sports enthusiasts, Atletski klub Cerklje set up a proper athletics obstacle course. Children could try out various athletics disciplines, from running to jumping, and show off their skill and speed. The club presented its activities and opportunities to join its programmes, which sparked interest among young athletes.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the dance performance by children’s groups, prepared by Plesna šola Špela. The young dancers impressed with their energetic and colourful choreographies, which drew many eyes and earned cheers of delight.
Around the market, you could hear the cheerful chatter of visitors enjoying a pleasant Saturday morning. Children ran happily around the venue, enjoying the fun activities, while parents proudly watched their first karate moves or dances on stage. The smell of fresh products, popcorn and candyfloss filled the air as visitors chatted easily with the producers, who proudly showed off their handmade goods.
The Cerklje Market has once again proved that it is more than just a place to shop – it is the heart of the local community, where people meet, create and support one another.
The next market will take place on Saturday, 19 October 2024, and it is sure to be lively and full of surprises once again!
