RETAILERS celebrated local shopping during the two-day Market Day festivities in Swan Hill at the weekend.
Shoppers snapped up bargains on Friday and Saturday, with local businesses offering special deals and promotions as part of the annual Swan Hill Incorporated initiative.
Swan Hill Inc marketing co-ordinator Kaylee Whitfield said the Friday was always a good day for the retailers.
“They get lots of mothers and fathers doing their Christmas shopping before all the big bargains on the Saturday,” she said.
“Although the weather wasn’t on our side, Saturday was really good.”
Ms Whitfield said they closed three blocks to traffic along Campbell Street, from Pritchard through to Rutherford streets, with more than 30 stalls on offer.
“Everyone had a really great day and we still had all our entertainment,” Ms Whitfield said.
The marketing co-ordinator said the response from the retailers was “quite good” but said due to the weather, less shoppers than expected were on the streets in the morning.
“By midday, it was full like it usually is,” she said.
On the day, there were car displays, two areas with live music, an State Emergency Service (SES) scenario demonstration, food and children’s activities.
For next year, Ms Whitfield hoped “to have the weather on our side”.
Swan Hill Youth Arts Festival (YAF) was also held on Saturday in conjunction with Market Day.
More than 80 artworks by Swan Hill region’s youth were displayed at the vacant Swan Hill arcade shop, with music played by youth outside the exhibition space.
