The annual Antique Fair, now in its 15th year, was a resounding success last weekend, drawing in delighted sellers and buyers alike. The event saw an increase in attendance compared to last year, with an estimated 4,000 people passing through the gates.

The temperature reached 32 degrees on Saturday, but visitors were not deterred! Sunday was a little cooler earlier in the day, encouraging droves of shoppers to browse and seek out the remaining treasures. Bargains were to be had as some sellers dropped their prices before the closing of the fair. 

A veteran stall holder this year, Scarlett 17, has been selling at the fair since she was six years old; initially, with her big brother Ben, her homemade lemonade, jam drop cookies, and honey joys were a popular treat.

Scarlett and her family stay in Maldon in their weekender as a break from their usual city life and appreciate this annual event and the uniqueness of Maldon. Another pleased stall holder, Lynda Vater, was selling a mix of retro furniture and bric-a-brac and, by Sunday, had dropped the prices for the lucky last-minute bargain hunters.

From taxidermy to glass collectable, Lynda Vater’s stall did very well.
Photos: Tarrangower Times

“We have done really well over the weekend, selling more than a third of the stock,” Lynda said. She runs the Arts Hub in Dunolly and has taken over the management of the Dunolly Market. Hoping to drum up some business from the Antique Fair, Lynda had market flyers on display. 

Bruce and Anne Rogers from Ballarat were a familiar couple running their stall for a third year in a row at the fair and had a successful weekend also, selling what Bruce calls, “from junk to glass urinals to poison bottles and tin toy trains.” Bruce had an exciting piece for sale, an old change-making machine from the Pounds, Shillings and Pence days. “You won’t see another one of these” he said. 

Organiser, Mark Blythe was on hand and run off his feet cleaning, advising and ensuring the loos were well supplied with paper. Mark enthusiastically spoke of the success of the Fair and the increase in numbers, making it a great fundraiser for the Maldon Football Netball Club. Thanks to the efforts of the committee, past and present, another successful event for Maldon was achieved.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 24 February 023.