Bega Lions Club organise Old Racecourse Market

The Bega Lions Old Racecourse Market will be held on the fourth Sunday of the month at the Old Racecourse on East St, next to the Bega River, starting in September.

“It will create opportunities for Bega, include some entertainment, and make use of the facilities at the racecourse,” Bega Lions first vice president Bryson Banfield said. 

“The market will create employment, as stall holders will have an extra opportunity to earn money.

“It will also bring more people into town for shopping, which will help out businesses.” 

The idea for the market came up a couple of years ago, before the Lions were approached by the racecourse’s On Track committee to see if they were interested in running such an event. 

About 20 stallholders have already signed up, who will sell a variety of products including clothing, leather goods, tools, books, food, toys and more.

There will also be a jumping castle and ice creams for the kids.  

It is hoped buskers will perform at the market, with the Bega District Band lined up to play at the first one.

Two trees at the entrance to the racecourse will be cut down and every second stall in the horse stalls will be removed so the market stalls can be under cover. 

Not only will the market improve the town’s economy on a weekend, it will encourage more people to use the space at the old racecourse. 

Mr Banfield said the market was part of the Lions Club’s fundraising activities and money raised would stay in the local community.

One of the recipients of the club’s efforts is the carers accommodation at the South East Regional Hospital, and the Lions have donated $20,000 to the project this year. 

The market will be held three times then the club will assess its future. 

The first market will be held on September 25 from 7.30am-2pm at the Old Bega Racecourse. 

For more information call Mr Banfield on 0429 921 921.