THOUSANDS of attendees at Bright’s Twilight Market soaked up the sun and sampled the best the region had to offer as they enjoyed the late afternoon by the Ovens River at Howitt Park last Thursday.
Market-goers of all ages investigated the dozens of stalls which stocked clothes, handicrafts, gin, toys, local produce and jewellery and lined up to sample the various tempting food and beverage stalls on offer.
The market was situated right in the middle of the action as families made the most of the summer holidays; hundreds dipped in the river, cued up for the waterslide and clambered over the newly refurbished playground.
“It’s one of the best market’s we’ve had in Bright during the summer period,” Bright Rotary Club member and market organiser, Alan Poyner said.
“We had approximately 65 to 70 sites, all located under the shady trees and on grass at Howitt Park.
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“We were busy for most of the day; set-up started from 1:30pm, then after the market closed at 8pm, everything was packed up by 8:30pm.
“Stadlemann Enterprises provided some excellent traffic management for the event.
"We’ve had a bit of an issue in the past with public cars taking up stallholder car spaces, but not this time.
“Harold Stadleman and his team coordinated an area behind the sound-shell for stallholder parking: it was one of our smoothest events because it made it so much easier for people to move around, so we want to send a big thanks from the Rotary club to him.
“Jodie Germaine was amazing...she's the Rotary market coordinator and was in charge of bookings and registrations ahead of the event and directed stallholders to where they needed to go on the day.
“Thanks also to the Alpine Shire Council for helping us out with our permit applications and the waste management coordination on the day.
“For each market, we must apply for about 10 different permits, so they were very helpful.
“The Bright Chamber of Commerce was very gracious and lent us a power outlet apparatus, as a lot of the food stalls needed power.
“The weather was beautiful and from all the feedback we’ve received, the stall holders very happy with their sites parked beside the river; it really was a lovely location.”
Freya Fowkes, who visited the market with her family, said she was very pleased with the wide variety of stalls available.
"It's great because you can spend a lot of time looking at all the local stalls," she said.
"Every couple of months we come up and enjoy the area."
"I'm looking forward to seeing my friends when they arrive," added Freya's daughter, Audrey Agius.
"We'll play in the water park and relax.
"I like exploring and seeing everyone enjoying the market."
Even four-legged family members were welcome at the event: Megan and Greg Morris had a great afternoon out and explored the market with their dogs, Elsie and Burke.
"We've been visiting Bright for the past 15 years," said Megan.
"The dogs love the river; as soon as we say 'do you want to go to Bright?' they run to the door and get so excited when we pack their holiday bag."
"The market is great, we always take something home," Greg said.
"It's been a great day out together with the family," said Ali Ahamadi.
"Today we went to Mount Buffalo and saw Lake Catani and the Lady's Bath Waterfall.
"We'll spend the afternoon here by the river, then tomorrow we'll go to Mount Hotham."
Dean Thompson from the Let's Get Wired clothier stall, said the riverside venue suited the twilight market well.
"It's a nice setting by the river," he said.
"When we started 15 years ago, it was held in the main street, then transferred to Pioneer Park and then here at Howitt Park.
"We like this area for market set-ups; we'll be at the Myrtleford Bush Market tomorrow."
"This was the best market we've been to in Bright, ever," said Wayne Morris from the Love Your Travels, fishing and outdoor equipment stall.
"We were focusing on our Good Riddance, Mozzie Repellant today; setting up the market right next to the river, it was the best location for it!"
"This is our fourth year opening up the stall for the Bright January Market," Stacey Morris said.
"We love meeting new people, networking and helping people on holidays with their camping needs; especially protecting against mozzies!"
Tawonga-based Tina Thorburn, from the Clay by Tina crockery and homewares stall, said it was great to see people in holiday-mode.
"People are really happy getting out and about at the local markets; I've just been to Mount Beauty yesterday and I'll be in Beechworth on Saturday.
"Passersby really appreciate my work which is inspired by the High Country.
"They can take home a soap dish, incense holder, spoon rest, mug, plate or bowl and have a memento of Bright and the surrounds.
"Crafting anything with a handle takes slightly longer, but I like to make items which become part of someone's daily ritual."
