EVERY Saturday morning in the eucalypt forest, with the dawn heralded by the kookaburras, the St Andrews Community Market comes together for another day.
In 2012 the market celebrates 40 years of a unique history.
It is traditionally a place to go to escape the rigours and stress of a week in the suburbs.
With the clean country air, the sounds of the bush and the company of like-minded people, it is an easy place to make friends.
Situated a short distance from Melbourne in the foothills of the Yarra Ranges, the market is an easy and pleasant drive – with the reward of tasty foods and drinks at the end.
The St Andrews community market originated as the result a group of locals who came together to meet on a regular basis, exchange or sell produce or goods, and enjoy some music.
The market will turn 40 years old next year, making it one of the longest continuously running markets in Victoria.
The market has a history of original and unique local crafts and fresh produce.
It has grown to include a wider area and a greater range of choices.
Every market is different with a changing range of stallholders each week selling everything including clothing from retro to alternative and hand spun/woven, traditional and unique handmade items, native and introduced plants and seedlings plus tools and garden decorations, books, cards, toys, jewellery of all sorts, children and baby gifts, and pony rides.
Visitors can do their weekly shopping for fresh vegies, eggs, preserves and great breads, and replenish the bathroom with beautiful handmade soaps and skin care products.
Then there are cakes, flowers, nuts, dried fruit, didgeridoos, massages, crystals, hardware, cushions, finger puppets, pottery and art.
And that is barely scratching the surface of the range of delights for visitors to discover.
Rain, hail or shine, St Andrews Community Market is open from 8am to 2pm, on the corner of Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and Kangaroo Ground Road, St Andrews.
There is currently a free return shuttle bus service from the Hurstbridge train station to the market all day on every Saturday.
For further information visit www.standrewsmarket .com.au.
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