Artisans, foodies, musicians and eager marketgoers will this weekend flock to one of the Sunshine Coast’s longest running markets to celebrate 20 years of growing the region’s small business community.
Established in 2002 the Caloundra Street Fair, proudly supported by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, will mark its 20th birthday on Sunday with a massive birthday market.
Long term Caloundra Street Fair stallholder and Ocean Art Photography owner Karl Angell, who grew his “side gig” into a thriving business, credited much of his growth to his involvement with the markets.
“Without the opportunity to showcase my business at the markets I probably wouldn’t be running,” he said.
“The markets were the steppingstone to growth, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be selling the amount that I am at the markets.
In his nine years as a stallholder Mr Angell opened his own gallery and developed an interstate customer base.
“People drive two or three hours just to buy one of my prints” he said.
Caloundra Chamber of Commerce President Michael Shadforth said the chamber was proud to have been involved in growing Caloundra’s thriving small business community.
“The markets have been an amazing incubator for many successful businesses on the Sunshine Coast over the past 20 years,” he said.
“People got their opportunity to start and grow their business into something far greater at the markets and that is something the Caloundra chamber is very proud of.”
Caloundra Markets Manager and former stallholder Alori Gapes said the markets provided a platform for small business owners and promoted a “shop local” culture.
“It’s harder and harder to get small businesses out there and compete with the big retail world so shopping small is more important than ever,” she said.
“Covid revealed how important local and small businesses are to our economy and the markets really help showcase young entrepreneurs and it’s also more sustainable and better for your local area to shop at the markets.”
Miss Gapes thanked the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, stallholders, holiday makers and the local community who continually support the Caloundra Street Fair.
Marketgoers will enjoy roaming entertainment, including stilt walkers and Bluey and Bingo characters, live music, artisan stalls and street food from 8am to 1pm at the Caloundra Street fair’s 20th Birthday market.
For more information visit the Caloundra Street Fair’s Facebook page.
