By Parker McKenzie
One of Belgrave’s biggest markets was the brainchild of one woman nearly a decade ago.
Dee Appleton said she decided to make her own local market nine years ago while she was looking for a way to make money as a stay-at-home mother.
“I started making clothes and doing markets myself, before realising that there were none that felt right to me,” she said.
“We started with maybe 30 stalls and the most we can fit in at the minute is 120.”
The Belgrave Big Dreams Market on Sunday 10 April is fully booked out, with all 120 spots taken by stalls.
She said it took a few years to establish the market as a destination for locals and visitors alike.
“Over the years it has taken a lot of work,” she said.
“We get people from all over the city, it’s not just locals.”
Running from 9am to 2pm on the second Sunday of every month, the craft, produce and design market has become an established part of the township.
Ms Appleton said the market features a wide array of activities, wares and food for people to enjoy.
“The stallholders often make or design the products themselves,” she said.
“There is often kid’s entertainment; we just had a workshop from Curbside Carnies for the day.”
Organic bread, jams, produce, ceramics, jewellery, body care products, food and gardening are some of the wares stallholders sell at the market.
Ms Appleton said enthusiasm for the market has stayed strong after Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
“I love the gathering of people, it is just beautiful,” she said.
“It is a wonderful day out in the open and there is plenty to see in the surrounding area. You can drive up the mountain, go to local cafes and there is nothing quite like the atmosphere up in the hills, it’s a very special place.”
The market takes place at St Thomas More Primary School, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave.
