Port market promises to be even more successful this season coming

THE Portarlington Market will return later this month after a winter recess.
Coordinator Angelo Polidoras said he expected this year’s season, which starts on Sunday September 29, to be even more successful and attract lots of families and others looking for a fun day out on the bay.
“The thing about our market is that it is a celebration of community in a relaxed central setting that showcases the beauty of the Bellarine and everything it has to offer,” Mr Polidoras said.
“Last year I spoke to so many people who were also going to the beach or for a picnic, or to the cafes and shops, or to visit the local wineries, galleries and farms.
“The market sort of acts as a catalyst for a really great day out and about.
“I am looking forward to seeing people enjoying themselves in our picture-perfect foreshore setting overlooking the bay with the city skyline in the background.”
The Lions Club of Portarlington-Drysdale took over the local community market last year and turbo-charged it to create a monthly event that was enthusiastically embraced by locals and visitors alike.
The Lions have been very busy behind the scenes over their winter recess organising a different mix of stallholders and developing an online market management system.
Mr Polidoras said the market promised to be bigger and better this season with more variety, a wider range of speciality foods and lots of free entertainment.
Lions Club President Stephen Love said that running and improving the market was a rewarding challenge for all members.
“We have over 2,000 years of lived experience in our club, but limited knowledge of data management and cloud computing,” Mr Love said.
“So, we have been learning and adapting – rapidly!
“We have moved far beyond our BBQ sausage prowess and our comfort zone.
“The market has been great for us.
“It has sharpened our teamwork and helped us to embrace social media, event management and sustainability.
“Lions International is all about serving local communities.”
Mr Love said the Lions’ purpose in taking on the market last year was to run a socially responsible enterprise for the benefit of the community and those in need – and that will always be the case.”
The Portarlington Market returns on the last Sunday of the month between September and April, and the first market for the season will be held on Sunday September 29 at the W.G. Little Reserve on Newcombe Street between 9am and 2pm.