For the past 51 years the Macedon Fire Brigade Flea Market has been an annual tradition for local residents and visitors to the area.
The flea market started in 1968 at the suggestion of the Ladies Auxiliary. The first flea market was held at the local service station and included an auction, bric-a-brac, recycled clothes, and furniture all donated by members of the local community.
The flea market has been a great success every year except in 1983 and 1984 because of the Ash Wednesday bushfires that swept through Macedon on 16 February 1983. During this tragic event Macedon Fire Station was destroyed along with all the donated items for the upcoming flea market.
It took time to re-establish the fire station, but by February 1985 it was up and running again and the flea market was back on.
"It's a key event in the local calendar and the major annual fundraiser for the brigade," Macedon brigade Captain Ross Luke said. "Over the 50 years we've raised more than $340,000 which has contributed to five community-owned tankers, nine FCVs, a storage shed, breathing apparatus, extensions to the current and previous fire stations, kitchen renovations, radio equipment, hoses and various other types of firefighting equipment.
"The tradition and fundraiser has moved with the times and after a review last year, the market has taken on a new look and way of raising funds," Ross explained. "Instead of focusing on second-hand goods, which took a lot of time for brigade members to collect and store, the market now includes a goods and services auction and silent auction with anything from lawn mowing to car detailing services up for grabs, which the community loves and wants.
"We also have lots of food stalls, a plant sale and even bikes that have been reconditioned by an enthusiastic team headed up by one of our brigade members," Ross said.
"Our focus is always around making it a really fun, family friendly event. We have a kids zone play area with rides and a jumping castle, art and craft, and activities such as mini fire truck races.
"We really appreciate the time and enthusiasm from our members and the local businesses and community members that get behind the fundraiser.
"It's a tradition that I hope will continue for many years, not only to raise funds for the brigade but also an opportunity for the community to get together."
The annual Flea Market takes place every February and there's always something new and exciting to see. Ross encourages everyone to check out the next one on Saturday 29 February 2020.
Photos courtesy of Macedon Fire Brigade
