UPDATE Sunday 4.30pm: The ever-popular Bendigo National Swap Meet is believed to have attracted some 17,000 people in its 44th year.
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Swap meet committee chairman Ashley Gray said there was always a good turnout from visitors, but the pleasant weather helped attract more locals.
“This was a good year this year,” committee chairman Ashley Gray said.
“We haven’t gotten the figures yet, but we think it’s up two or three thousand on other years.”
This year the swap meet had a new attraction, the Barn Finds and Survivor Cars display.
Mr Gray said this had proved to be extremely popular and next year they would need to allocate more space to the feature.
EARLIER: The showgrounds were buzzing with activity early Saturday morning, thanks to the Bendigo National Swap Meet.
Gates opened at 6am and an hour and a half later there was already a decent crowd of people seeking out a bargain, a longed-for collectible, or a much-needed part for their vehicle.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo is on site catering for patrons, with volunteers arriving at 5am to set up for breakfast.
Site captain Brian Doherty said it had not been as busy as some previous years, but it was “nice and steady”.
By about 7.30am, his stall had gone through about 12 dozen eggs, three boxes of bacon, and half a bag of onions.
The Bendigo National Swap Meet is a major event on the calendar of many a car enthusiast, patrons and sellers alike.
Kevin Parker, a former Kyneton man who now lives on the Gold Coast, has had a stall at the event since it began in 1975.
Mr Parker – a self-professed “mad hot rodder” – said he enjoyed coming back to the swap meet each year to catch up with friends.
Local man Phil Johnson also has a long history with the event – he’s been selling for more than 20 years.
“Camaraderie and a bit of fun and a love of junk” are what keeps drawing him back each year.
Ballarat’s Graeme and Elly Edward have also come to the swap meet each year since it began.
They, too, said they enjoyed the social aspect of the event.
The swap meet continues at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds throughout Saturday and Sunday, with gates to open at 7am on the second day.
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