UNSEASONAL showers did not detract from the success of a street market at Beachport on Saturday.
After a sunny start to the morning, light rain arrived at about 10am and remained for 90 minutes.
The weather was in stark contrast to the summertime market a year ago when temperatures had climbed well into the 30s by mid-morning.
Held thrice-yearly for over 20 years, the seaside markets are an initiative of the Beachport District Development Association (BDDA).
As before, vendors from near and far set up stalls along a closed Railway Terrace at 9am and most remained until lunchtime.
Among the popular stalls for the hundreds of local and out-of-town shoppers were those selling homemade preserves, jewellery, handicrafts, meats, honey, woodwork and plants.
BDDA president and market coordinator Ros Brown said there were 38 stall holders.
“The morning started perfectly with no wind and a bit of sunshine,” Ms Brown said.
“The showers came through about 10am.”
The funds raised by the market will support various Beachport community projects.
Ms Brown said her group had been able to upgrade the kitchen at the South Coast Cinema in 2018 with the help of voluntary labour and donations.
Street markets are also held by the association each Easter and October.
However, Ms Brown said the October market would be held at a different time in 2019 on a trial basis and stall holders had been informed.
“We will not be having it on the long weekend but later to coincide with the Melbourne Cup.
“A lot of Victorians turn the time into a four-day long weekend.”
Over the past two decades Tantanoola couple Arvan and Bruce Carthew have held a general goods stall at about 60 markets on Railway Terrace.
“We found that beanies were our best seller at this year’s market along with lucky dips for young people,” Ms Carthew said.
“There was good trading for us up until 10am.”
Youngster Holly Dinnison made the 85km round trip with her family from their home at Nangwarry for her novelty stall.
She almost sold out of her “slime” with pink being the most popular colour.
Another first-time trader was Beachport resident Bob Grieve who markets metal work and woodwork under the Anchor Ridge label.
Beachport retailer Peter Dunnicliff has a giftware and fishing tackle shop and said the trade on Saturday for his business had been steady.
“The trade since Christmas has been good and the weather has helped,” Mr Dunnicliff said.
