Parking space becomes swap meet spot

FOR almost five decades, the Dana Street multi-storey carpark has been transformed into a bargain hunter’s haven for

one morning only at the end of June.

The tradition is set to return courtesy of the Ballarat Road Rodders, with their 48th annual The Fridge swap meet set to commence later this month.

Group president Bayden Roberts said the event has long been about giving car enthusiasts a space to share their wares.

“It always entails a freezing morning out for car enthusiasts,” he said. “Anything to do with chrome bumper vehicles, from before the early 70s, is generally the automotive weight of related memorabilia.

“It’s a get-together more than anything where people will buy and sell car-related things. There’s no bric-a-brac, and it’s not a trash and treasure.

“The idea for this was the club wanted to hold a second event back in 1974 to go with their dinner dance on the Saturday night.

“Each year since, the carpark becomes our swap meet spot.”

With no pre-booking required, participants will pay $20 per stall while a $5 entry fee will be in place for those just looking to browse.

Rooftop parking will be available for chrome bumper vehicles.

Running from 6am until around 11am, Mr Roberts said the swap meet also provides a bit of a boost for the local economy.

“We filled the space last year and it alternates where people will leave after an hour and open the space for other cars,” he said.

“Because it’s such an early thing, you show up and by the end of the morning you might walk out with a gasbag and then people will head off to local cafes or bakeries or head to the pub.

“I think a lot of local businesses benefit, and we have people come from South Australia and everything.”

The swap meet will take place at 302 Dana Street on Saturday 30 June.