Society president Chantelle Shevels said the decision to continue with the market has been prompted by feedback from the community and the stallholders.
“The people on the gate lost count of the exact number of people, but we took more than $2000 in donations at the gate.
“Given we asked for a gold coin donation, we can surmise that means at least 1000 people if not more.
“The gate takings covered the cost of the children’s entertainment we provided, and we also had a grant of $1000 from Edward River Council to put on the event.
“It was a not-for-profit event we took on purely to put something on for the community.
“Because we had such great support – from the community and the stallholders – a lot of stallholders left on the day saying they would be back.
“And we expect we’ll have more wanting to come on board.”
The market was originally known as the Conargo Mother’s Day Market and held in Conargo. Naponda brought it to Deniliquin when the Conargo committee succumbed to volunteer fatigue.
“We wanted to help bring the market back, and put on a great community event,” Mrs Shevels said of the Deni Show’s involvement.
“I think we did that, and we are so grateful to the community for supporting us to do so.
“We had more than 50 stallholders on the day, and many of them said it was their most successful market.
“Some even sold out within an hour of the gates opening.
“I would like to thank the community and all the wonderful committee involved for all their support. It is greatly appreciated and not nearly recognised enough that these events do not happen without a team of volunteers.”
Mrs Shevels said the Show Society’s focus now turns to planning for the 2024 Deniliquin Show, to be held March 1-3, and then the 2024 Mother’s Day Market.
And she said any help from the community would be greatly appreciated.
“Our AGM is coming up, and we’d love to see more people coming along, learning more and volunteering.
“We have a great community here, and our aim is to put on events they can enjoy.
“The more help we have, the better we can achieve that goal.”
The Deniliquin Show Society AGM will be held Wednesday, July 1 at the Coach House Hotel.
The meeting will start at 6pm, with dinner to follow. Meal orders must be placed before the meeting starts.
If you would like to assist the Show Society and cannot attend the AGM, or if you would like more information, phone 0408 392 445 or email [email protected].