Century old fair returns

Cottage by the Sea staff are looking forward to the annual fair. (Ivan Kemp) 381848_05

One of the longest running fairs in the country is back this weekend for a day of food, stalls and plenty of fun.

Cottage by the Sea’s annual fair began as a picnic in 1924 and is the children’s charity’s longest-running fundraiser.

“Our annual fair has been operating for almost 100 years and is a chance for the community to all come together and grab some wonderful bargains, delicious fruit and veg, and have a fun day out at one of Queenscliff’s great locations,” Cottage by the Sea chief executive Adam Wake said.

There will be a range of different stalls operating on the day from fresh produce to a BBQ lunch, barista coffee, homemade cakes, jams, lemon cordial and Devonshire tea.

The fair will also include pop-up market stalls selling jewellery, pots and plants, second-hand books and clothing.

The Harvey family and Harvey’s of Highton have been supporting the fair for more than 20 years, donating the fresh fruit and vegetables for sale.

Cottage by the Sea staff, board members, branch members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and the community all contribute to the fair’s success and help make the day run

smoothly.

The fair attracts thousands of people each year and entry is by gold coin donation.

Founded in 1890 in Queenscliff, Cottage by the Sea provides tailored programs for kids within a holiday environment. All of the funds raised from the annual fair will go directly to Cottage by the Sea programs.

The fair is on Saturday January 13 from 9am to 2pm at Cottage by the Sea, 29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff.