With up to 120 stalls and a chook auction, the Girgarre market is a chance for locals and visitors to try some of the finest produce, arts and crafts from across the region.
The market focuses on produce such as handmade cheeses, honey, fruit and vegetables, cakes, biscuits — and for the garden lovers, plenty of plants.
There are also tools available and for those who love crafts, handmade jewellery, glassware, sculptures and knitted and crocheted items.
The chook auction at the market has anything bird-related. Chickens, ducks, pigeons, budgies, quail are some examples of what is sold.
“The last few years we’ve had 500 lots at each auction,” Greg Fitzpatrick said.
“We sell everything ... actually 10 years ago sold a six-month-old ostrich.”
The market started in 2004 and Jan Smith, who was one of the founding members, said the reason the market has survived for so long was due to the Girgarre’s “willingness to have a go”.
Ms Smith said there were only eight stalls at the first market, with 1000 people showing up; however, all stock was sold out by about 10am.
“It’s slowly built up until it stalled three years ago when COVID-19 hit,” she said.
“Many of our stall holders have moved on.
“We are in that rebuilding phase but we trying to have it as resilient as it has been.
“The market has been one of the vehicles that has helped fund this community all these years.”
Many charitable organisations such as the CFA, RSL, Girgarre Community Group and the local school fundraise at the market.
If you are interested in becoming a stallholder, submit an application on the Girgarre Farmers Produce and Crafts website at www.girgarre.com.au/markets
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