At Parachute there is an area called the Global Village. This is a large marquee, which this last year expanded into two that stood next to each other, and is an area where you walk around and can view information about heaps of different ministries.

Different groups pay to have a stand, and bring staff with them. Often promotions will go on that attract people to some stands. An example of this can be seen from Parachute 2003, where one stand was handing out free copies of the gospel of Mark, and you could write down your cellphone number to be in the draw to win prizes every hour.

This photo on the left shows my friend Bronwyn sitting in the stand owned by the organisation she works with - "Cool Bananas" - a kids organisation in Tauranga. Organisations can contact Parachute to find out about prices - they vary depending on size, and requirements (e.g. electricity.)

There are a number of shops at Parachute. The vast majority are food. There is junk food, and some health food, and of course little cafes that sell coffee and hot chocolate. but there are also shops that sell CDs and merchandise. There are two main areas of shops - the village, and in the past (at Matamata) there has been a merchandise tent, and food stands, by the Mainstage. Food is usually rather expensive; it may be a good idea to bring some food with you if you are planning to eat and buy food at Parachute. There is a minimart which sells a range of products - from fresh milk to raspberry buns, and a variety of hygiene products.

The Parachute Tent sells a wide variety of CDs and merchandise. They often have some really good bargains - e.g. the '3 for $5' deal in 2003, where we could pick any 3 cassettes out of the containers and they would only be five dollars for each three. They sell t-shirts, posters, and music from performing artists, and from a variety of other artists. Supporta discounts are available here. After performances, scheduled artist signings take place in this tent, or at the tent by Mainstage which sells a smaller variety of the same materials.

The rest of the shops at Parachute are varied. There is always a shop that will streak or dye hair, both permanently and semi-permanently. You can get some interesting colours! There are also shops that sell their own products - hats, jewellery, beaded jewellery, shirts, and sunglasses. There will always be a clothing shop or two, and they aren't priced too high. Everybody ends up in the village at some stage or another during their time at Parachute, and I advise that you bring spending money and have a look around.