Several hundred shoppers crowded a closed Railway Terrace at Beachport on Saturday morning for the customary Easter Saturday open air market.
Almost 50 traders were present in the cloudy but mild weather while the bricks and mortar businesses opened their doors as well.
They included the re-opened and re-named Beachport Tavern (formerly Bompa’s).
The number of stallholders is down on the busier January Market but in line with Easters of years past.
On offer on Saturday were hot food, clothing, jewellery, bric-a-brac etc
Newcomers to the market were stalls selling fresh flowers, framed photographic prints and artwork.
Adding to the festive air was musical entertainment by husband and wife duo Jason and Christy Wallace who are market veterans.
The ever-popular Lions Club donut van had a stream of customers from its prime leased spot next to the foreshore war memorial rotunda and the volunteers included Member for Barker Tony Pasin.
Another attraction on Easter Saturday Market Day was the nearby auction of a two-storied home on Beach Road which drew a gallery of 110 onlookers.
The property was passed in on a vendor bid of $1.77m.
One of the downsides for this summertime at Beachport has been ongoing problems with the projection equipment at the South Coast Cinema and the unavailability of the volunteer operator.
The Beachport District Development Association stages the movies, annual January duck race and thrice-yearly markets as fundraisers for community projects including the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
BDDA secretary Ros Brown said her group was no longer obliged to pay insurance on the Beachport Institute and Wattle Range Council had also waived its fees in arrears.
Ms Brown said the institute was also used by a Seniors group, craft group and a card group.
Now the BDDA had been freed from the expensive insurance obligations, she said funds were now available for other projects.
“As well as securing grants, we are looking to buy new carpets, chairs and tables for the institute,” Ms Brown said.
“The BDDA also wants to support the Keep Beachport Active fitness program and establish more trails around Lake George and install outside exercise equipment.”
