THERE is great excitement building for the Swan Hill Twilight Arts Festival at Swan Hill Town Hall in February.
Twenty-five stallholders will bring an eclectic and unique array of products to showcase and sell at the festival market.
Past markets have attracted estimated crowds of more than 1500 people.
This will be the third time the event has been held and organisers are expecting another big turnout.
Curator Nina McNamara said she was really excited about bringing new local stallholders and more from the region.
They include a Bendigo watercolour artist and an alpaca farmer with alpaca wool-felted products that include children’s toys, which was “super exciting”, Ms McNamara said.
“Some of the catering options we will have on offer will include Helen Tuntar with her African-styled foods.
“Iree Waiata from Kalina Pathema will be coming back again with her selection of Indigenous foods, which was very popular last time.”
There will also be an array of stallholders selling sweet delights, such as a local cookie maker and cupcake creator Emily Violi.
Ms Violi said when she came to the inaugural market, she didn’t know what to expect and brought 180 cupcakes to sell, which were sold in just 45 minutes.
“The curator said that they were expecting about 500 people through the doors and there were over 1500,” Ms Violi said.
“For the next market I was more prepared and this time made 430 cupcakes and after the four hours of the market being open I was left with only four at the end of the day.
“I am coming back for my third time to sell and showcase my cupcakes.”
As well as food and market stalls there will be free entertainment including musician Grim Fawkner, who is no stranger to Swan Hill.
Fawkner will bring his country, pop and folk mix of music as one of the acts.
“Grim is turning into somewhat of a local,” Ms McNamara said.
“He has been here a few times now and he is absolutely amazing.”
Doors will open at 4pm on Saturday, February 24, at the town hall.
