Marketta Festival delights

CONDITIONS were gusty but the sun shone on Venus Bay for the local surf life saving club’s third Marketta Festival, the event drawing an estimated 4000 people.

“It gets bigger each year and we’ve established the event into the summer calendar for the community,” Marketta organiser and Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club (VBSLSC) Life Member Sim Seri said.

People browsed market stalls selling plants, jewellery, clothing, chilli sauces and other items.

Attendees also enjoyed the tasty selection available from food trucks as well as the dumplings, cakes and other sweet treats sold by VBSLSC volunteers.

Inside the club, the lineup of individual musicians and bands, including Cycad and Skamp Vera proved a hit as did the volunteer-run bar that offered a selection of gins showcasing different makers and botanicals.

Many also opted for a refreshing Korumburra-brewed beer, the balcony offering a great spot for people watching and the chance to take in the music and relax in the glorious conditions.

Sim said Marketta Festival’s hilly location presents challenges in terms of stall placement but also provides a beautiful setting, something that was especially apparent when perched on the balcony.

She expressed her gratitude to all those who contribute, including musicians who generously provide their services, some of whom are drawn back by their connections to VBSLSC, other people who donate raffle prizes, all those who volunteer on the evening and the small group that helps her bring the festival together.

The community support is greatly appreciated.

Courtney Dalvean carried young son James, who looked to be having a ball, while she explored the Marketta offerings during a holiday in Venus Bay.

She has been visiting the town for 20 years, having patrolled for VBSLSC at times, and has been to every Marketta Festival, saying there is a greater variety of stalls each year and, like Sim, has observed the event’s growing popularity.

Money raised through the festival goes into ensuring ongoing life saving patrols at Venus Bay’s Beach 1, with significant equipment and other costs having to be met despite the fact life savers volunteer their time.

A healthy life saving club is vital at a beach that has hazards such as rips and sudden changes of depth.

Sim also highlighted the social value Marketta Festival delivers.

“We want to raise money but it is also about creating a strong community by having an event open to everyone,” she said.