Children and babies’ market readies relaunch

FOLLOWING months of dormancy, a regular market aimed at providing for the region’s young people is returning under new management.

The original Ballarat Baby and Children’s Market will be relaunching early next month with the initiative now helmed by Wyndham-based events group That’s Mine Events.

Organiser, Margarita Udarbe, said it’s exciting to once again give the community a one-stop spot for children and babies’ needs.

“It’ll be great to see families and kids with smiles on their faces during the event as a bit of a family outing,” she said.

“Each market will feature around 35 to 40 stalls, and it’s a combination of anything and everything kids-related.

“We’ll have brand new toys to pre-loved items, handmade things, and business services, with lots of arts and craft activities.”

Formerly held at Doug Dean Stadium, the revamped market will now be held at St Patrick’s Hall in the central business district.

The previous event, slated for March, was cancelled the week before commencing, with the initiative sold to That’s Mine Events a few months after.

Having previously frequented both Ballarat and Geelong markets, and exhibited at the latter, Ms Udarbe said it’s important for the team to preserve the legacy of the original market.

“It’s important not just for Ballarat, because it’s become a bit of a tourism draw where we do have visitors from Geelong, Werribee, and those nearby suburbs,” she said.

“Management-wise and for systems, things have changed a bit, but advertising and everything else will remain similar but with the aim of expanding and growing.

“We don’t really want to change anything because we feel it’s still great. We just want to make sure it’s still continuing and that it’s longstanding.”

The Ballarat Baby and Children’s Market will return from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 2 November.

Entry is $2 per person while children under 12 enter free.