OVER 2000 people flocked to Derrinallum over the weekend and enjoyed one of the biggest markets the area has seen.
More than 60 stallholders presented their wares at the Sunday market, but by far and away, the show-stopper for the day was a visit from a selection of feathered friends from Full Flight.
Zorro the wedge-tailed eagle and Pepper the masked owl mixed with kestrels and falcons to amaze onlookers.
Derrinallum Progress Association and Corangamite Shire joined forces to present the day which was hailed an “outstanding success”.
Association president John Hale said the birds of prey demonstration drew people from across the wider region.
“It was a fantastic success – we had people here from Ararat, Ballarat and quite a lot from as far south as Simpson and Timboon,” he said.
“The aim of the markets is to attract people to Derrinallum and show them just what the town has to offer and we did that in spades over the weekend.
“The lake is full, the fish are biting, Mount Elephant is opened to the public – there’s plenty to do here.
“Our idea is to promote Derri’ as a nice place to stop for travellers.  A place where they can get out, visit the toilets, stretch their legs and enjoy what the town has to offer.”
Mr Hale said the market also gave local businesses the chance to make the most of the influx of people to the town.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for them to present their goods in an attractive way and tempt the buyers,” he said.
“A couple of residents also took advantage of the day and hosted garage sales, which is a wonderful idea.”
Local produce included honey, ice-cream and donuts.  Stalls also included books, toys, jewellery, alpaca products and giftware.
“We have a great relationship with other market organisers in the area and try to complement those events,” Mr Hale said.
“Consequently, we present a very credible market of quality items.”
The market was the fifth of six to be held this summer with the final market scheduled for Sunday, March 18 from 10am until 2pm.
One-man-band Tony Linnane will perform at the final market presenting music from the 50s through until the 80s.