The annual fundraiser, run by the All Breeds Show Society, has traditionally been a market for horse gear.
This year, however, president Linda Leach and the organising committee have thrown open the doors of the Rochester Showgrounds to the broader community.
Best of all, entry is free.
With about 40 stallholders already confirmed, visitors can browse a wonderful mix of horse gear, home crafts, freshly baked cakes, handmade craft items, tools and much more when the market opens on Sunday, September 20.
There will also be face painting for the kids, food from Tongala's It's On the Go Catering, and a $5 lucky envelope raffle ― with proceeds helping fund the society's three-day horse show in November.
Ms Leach said the decision to expand the fundraiser came after people outside the horse community expressed interest in having stalls last year.
“So this year, we thought we’d bring in all stalls, and get more of the wider community involved,” she said.
The fundraiser will help support the ABSS's three-day horse show at Elmore Equestrian Park on the last weekend of November.
“We book out the Elmore and Rochy motels with our judges and visitors,” Ms Leach said about the horse show.
“So we really try and put the money back into the community that support us.”
Keeping the fundraiser local is also important to the society.
“The caterer is a local from Tongala, and as well as all the stalls,” Ms Leach said.
“So we keep everything community based.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, the society depends on fundraising to keep its November show running and to create meaningful opportunities for competitors of all ages, especially young riders.
For Ms Leach, it really is quite simple — look after the community, and the community will look after the show.
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