Great weather welcomes huge crowds to market

FUN FOR THE FAMILY… From left, Sienna (age 9), Selby (5) and Tilly (10) from Euroa, enjoyed their time at the Winter City Market on Friday, getting the chance to hang out Archie the galah. Photo: Ash Beks.
FUN FOR THE FAMILY… From left, Sienna (age 9), Selby (5) and Tilly (10) from Euroa, enjoyed their time at the Winter City Market on Friday, getting the chance to hang out Archie the galah. Photo: Ash Beks.

A fond farewell to winter

WITH the sun shining brighter than it had in weeks, excited locals and traders packed out Shepparton’s CBD last Friday and Saturday for the annual Winter City Market.

Held on the last two days of winter (a season I’m sure everyone would agree felt like forever), the CBD was in full bloom, with the spring-like weather blessing all shoppers who were out and about and excited to grab a bargain.

Maude Street Mall was lined with traders selling their wares and loads of entertainment scattered throughout. There was a golf hitting bay, jumping castle, face painting and an interactive wildlife display for the little ones to enjoy.

Live music of all kinds was exhibited from the stage in the centre of the mall, including singer/songwriters and even a full jazz band, presented by JL Productions.

Scattered over various times over Friday and Saturday, Shepparton Show Me hosted a range of eating competitions, including competitions to see who could eat the most Higgins Bakery pies, Shepparton Brewery pizzas, Barca Love burgers, SPC Factory Sales jelly, SPC Factory Sales spaghetti and baked beans and Zambreros burritos.

Several of the local traders had ordered items specifically for the market, with a great array of promotions and discounts. Many of the stallholders selling a wide mixture of produce, from handcrafted pieces, through to everyday items like socks and shoes and even some second-hand wares. Overall, the shopping at the Winter Market, much like the entertainment, offered visitors and traders exciting variety.

Shepparton Show Me marketing co-ordinator, Mat Innes-Irons said, “It was one of the most successful markets I’ve seen in the CBD and all the retailers were very happy with the turnout.

“There was a really good mixture of food and great entertainment, shopping and absolutely non-stop free kids entertainment; I noticed there were a lot of families this year.

“The weather was spectacular and there was much on in Shepparton over the weekend, like the Outdoor Expo as well as The Heritage Rally at Emerald Bank, so all the stars aligned for a great market.”

With the dust from the Winter Market weekend’s excitement barely settled, preparations are already underway for the Summer City Market, scheduled for the last weekend of summer, February 28-29, 2020.