Could this be Tassie's friendliest market?
Each month our market welcomes scores of visitors from far and wide, coming to wander an amazing array of stalls and enjoy the friendly village atmosphere.
It’s a relaxed vibe - people chatting, listening to the live music, talking to stallholders and grabbing a bite to eat. Add regular visits by Justin and his reptiles, our local firies, alpacas, farm animals, Birchgrove Feline Rescue, special activities for the kids (not to mention a fantastic playground on site!) and it’s no wonder visitor numbers have increased dramatically over recent years.
The market today
In 2020 a new team led by Jacqui Harvey took over and after a great, yet short-lived start, the pandemic halted things. But, the subsequent lifting of restrictions saw a joyful return that spring. It set the market on a new trajectory, growing in size, popularity and reputation. And we know why - it’s our place, people and community.
Market feedback has two core themes - it’s an inviting place to visit/have a stall and Jacqui and her team of volunteers are always friendly and helpful to all.
This is now a flagship community event with stalls carefully curated and highly sought after, and built on the reputation of its people and location. This success doesn’t happen by accident - it’s an amazing team of volunteers, strongly supported by SAPRA, working hard to pull it all together - stallholder management, advertising, paperwork, site plans, venue management, safety needs and a gazillion other things, big and small.
To Jacqui, Andrew and all your wonderful volunteers who enrich our lives each month, your community, market visitors and stallholders say thank you.
Quick stats: Jan 2020 - 26 stalls | Dec 2023 - 138 stalls | May 2024 - 128 stalls | Facebook followers - 3631 | Stallholder FB page- 347 members | Instagram growing
What they say ...
“..an amazing selection of stalls and the kids loved the reptile display.”
“..a great atmosphere in an ideal location next to a playground.”
"As a stallholder I attend a lot of markets - South Arm is my favourite because of the atmosphere, the people and all the community surrounding the event."
"I love being there! Always a blast!" Olivia Wilson, singer
Market 2012
Where it all began
From humble beginnings in the early 2000s, our local market has had its share of ups and downs but through its journey to 2024, volunteers with a passion to see it survive and thrive have been at its heart.
Once it travelled from the South Arm Community Centre precinct just up the road to the South Arm RSL & Community Club in late 2003. But it's heart remained with the Centre and in 2012 our market returned as a partnership between the South Arm RSL Sub-Branch and SAPRA (South Arm Peninsula Residents Association).
The objective was ...
"To create a lively, monthly community event that supports local groups and welcomes stallholders from everywhere."
And they came - visitors and stallholders alike
The years have seen some wonderful market managers bring new stallholders, amazing displays and activities for children and those young at heart. We've had a huge variety of themes and special markets too - bees & honey, harvest, artists, car boot, swap meet, all the seasons of course plus festive events and many more.
We've welcomed special displays and activities too ... balloon twisters, face painters, Highland cows, alpacas, farm animals, Volunteer Fire Brigade, First Responders, reptile displays, cat adoptions, lots of live music including the South Arm Songsters (local choir), gumboot throwing, monthly raffles and much more!
Along with the local volunteers, there are many stallholders who have remained staunch regulars over the years, some lending a hand behind the scenes to help make the market operate smoothly.
Market 2015
Harvest 2017
Bees 2019
Spring 2020
Xmas 2021
Easter 2023
A poem written for Tas Weekends (ABC Hobart)
November 2015
This Sunday come out for a drive down The Arm
For a community market full of charm.
From 9.30 on you'll find welcoming smiles
On a sunny morn made for those few extra miles.
Meet Donald and Anne and Bev and Reet,
And the RSL boys with a snag hard to beat.
Plus Dot's sponge cakes and Lesley's hot pies
They're truly delicious, we tell no lies!
There's sparkling jewels to make you shine
And thriving plants so your garden looks fine.
With Christmas approaching, you could find a present
Perhaps a lovely candle with a beautiful scent.
Or a South Arm holder for your favourite drink
So much to see, much more than you think!
Pick up some spuds and pick up a book
Or just come and visit and have a good look.
Enjoy the market then go to the Club
They're open for lunch and well-known for their grub.
So we hope to see you down near Iron Pot
This Sunday morning, it's a wonderful spot!