Over a thousand shoppers crowded a closed Railway Terrace at Beachport on Saturday morning for the customary New Year’s open air market.
Around 70 traders were present in the perfect weather while the bricks-and-mortar businesses opened their doors as well.
On offer were hot food, clothing, jewellery, bric-a-brac etc.
Adding to the festive air were rides in horse-drawn carriages along with musical entertainment by husband-and-wife duo Jason and Christy Wallace.
The ever-popular Lions Club donut van had a stream of customers from its prime leased spot on the foreshore.
The street market was also the finishing point for the annual Beachport-to-Southend beach run.
Another attraction of sorts was the nearby auction of the closed St Matthew By The Sea Uniting Church which drew a gallery of 150 bidders and onlookers.
The afternoon’s attractions included the novelty duck race at the Pool of Siloam and gigs by popular local singer/songwriter Leah Briggs on the Bompa’s lawns.
The mood of the professional lobster fishing sector has lightened with the return of the Chinese markets and a boost in the beach price to almost $90/kg.
One of the downsides for this summertime at Beachport has been ongoing problems with the projection equipment at the South Coast Cinema.
Movies resumed on Boxing Day after a lengthy lay-off but then the equipment failed the following day.
The Beachport District Development Association stages the movies, annual duck race and the thrice-yearly markets as fundraisers for community projects.
BDDA treasurer Di Roach said the number of stall-holders was pleasing but not quite a record.
Ms Roach said the major project funded each year by the BDDA were the two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve.
She said there had been much positive feedback from the community and visitors alike for the pyrotechnics at 9.30pm and midnight.
“This year, the cost of the fireworks has crept up to $18,000,” Ms Roach said.
“In the past, we have used collection tins around town to collect funds.
“We decided instead this year to have a GoFundMe page and that worked out well.
“The BDDA is also grateful for fireworks donations from the Beachport Professional Fishermen’s Association, Wattle Range Council, Beachport Hotel Social Cub, Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club of Beachport and Rivoli Bay.”
