Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve will be bustling with activity this Sunday April 2 for one of the region’s largest and most successful events, the Castlemaine Lions Club Swap Meet.
This year marks the 37th annual swap meet. The swap meet is the local service club’s major fundraiser and over the last three decades its had raised thousands of dollars to put back into many community projects such as the Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation & Respite Group’s McDonald Lions McDonald Hill Respite House.
This year’s event it is expected to once again draw thousands of visitors through the gates from across the state and beyond to buy and browse from 550 plus stalls selling all manner of things.
Castlemaine Lions Club Swap Meet chairman Ron Gartside said patrons can expect to find a treasure trove of vintage and veteran car and motorcycle parts, memorabilia, antiques, collectables, and bric-a-brac.
“You may even find a vehicle or two up for grabs,” he said. “We have stallholders coming from all over Victoria and some from South Australia and New South Wales and Tasmania.
“We couldn’t run the swap meet without the help of others from the community such as our friends at Rotary and Castlemaine SES, the Castlemaine Football Netball Club, Castlemaine United Cricket Club, Muckleford Cricket Club, Castlemaine Scouts, Castlemaine Girl Guides, and the Campbells Creek and Harcourt Valley Primary Schools,” he said.
“We make contributions to the volunteer groups that help on the day so its a win/win for both the club and the community,” Ron said.
There will be onsite catering available throughout the day including a barbecue, hot food, fresh sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and more. Gates open at 6am. Please note the clocks will be winding back an hour in the early hours of Sunday morning with the daylight savings change. Entry is $8. Children Under 15 Free. For more information visit castlemaine.vic.lions.org.au