Anew local stallholders group held its inaugural market over the October long weekend with thousands of visitors passing through.

The Limestone Coast Market Network held its first event at Casadio Park on October 1 with just over 50 stalls and more than 2000 people attending over the course of the day.

The market was made possible through a community grant from Bendigo Community Bank Mount Gambier and Districts and sponsorship from Willow Financial Services.

A survey conducted by the group revealed 80% of stallholders reported selling out or experiencing sales larger than at any other market, with vendors attending from as far away as Bordertown, Keith and Coleraine.

Limestone Coast Market Network communications officer Jedda Glynn said organisers did not think the market would be as well received as it was.

“It was a huge turnout, it very much blew our expectations out of the water,” she said.

“There was a lot of tourists, especially because of the two caravan parks and I think because it was on the Bay Road as well there was a lot of people driving around so they called in to see what the big fuss was about.

“Most of the food stalls all sold out by lunch and a couple of stallholders went home, cooked more, and brought it back which they were very happy about because you do not normally get a market that big in Mount Gambier.

“There were things for kids to do as well, there was face painting and activities for them which made it really family friendly.”

Ms Glynn said the group was planning to hold a market at the same time next year as well as adding other events to the calendar.

“We’re looking at definitely doing this again next October long weekend but also looking at some more dates in the next couple of months to do another Casadio Park market as well as some other markets around the Limestone Coast,” she said.

“There’s a lot of interest from market stallholders too, they’re wanting more markets, we need some more bigger markets in Mount Gambier I feel.”