Market preparations underway

By Tina Seirlis

Shire residents are encouraged to save the date with 29 October earmarked for the much-anticipated annual Lal Lal Market, run by the volunteer management committee at Lal Lal Soldiers Memorial Hall.

The popular not-for-profit market is said to have held its inaugural event in 2014, with all stall fees and funds raised directed towards hall maintenance and community-focused activities.

Over 2000 people attended the market last year, and while the majority are suggested to be locals and from nearby Ballarat, many tourists have also been attracted to the market from Geelong and Melbourne.

This year’s market is scheduled just short of two months before Christmas which makes it well-timed for those visitors clever enough to start their Christmas shopping early.

Nardia Elford, Events Coordinator, is just one of the busy volunteer committee members and originally started out by assisting Kay Ford the previous market organiser.

“I am raising a family in Lal Lal with my husband, and being on the committee and organising the market is my contribution to our wonderful little town,” she said.

Lal Lal, in the far west of Moorabool Shire, is a charming rural hamlet rich in pastoral and mining history. It is also home to the spectacular Lal Lal Falls, and the magnificent Lal Lal Blast Furnace picnic area, which are well worth a visit after attending the market.

According to Ms Elford, this year’s market will have many family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, plaster fun, face painting and ice-cream.

“Our local CFA will be demonstrating their fire-fighting skills, without the fire of course, and Lal Lal Primary School will be holding their car boot sale on the same day at the school car park. Lal Lal Landcare is taking care of the raffle on the day, and there are prizes for some lucky visitors.”

Market stall applications can be accepted until two weeks prior to the market.

“To contact us about getting involved with the event, or to reach out for the market, we recommend email via [email protected] or contacting us via Facebook. We don’t give out our phone numbers as we are full-time workers, volunteering with the Hall and Market. We hope that can be accepted and appreciated,” Ms Elford said.

The Committee is also happy to accept additional support from the community including prize donations.