mmg.com.au

The sun was shining for the Melbourne Cup long weekend and the Heathcote Bush Market on Saturday.

Though some regular stallholders were missing, there were also a number of new stalls that were a welcome addition to the popular bush market.

Sandra and Brenton Jolley from Goornong brought along their Spiral Spuds stall, which was a huge hit with children and a welcome addition to compliment the traditional barbecue fundraiser stall and Indian food stand.

Adam and James Farren of Bacchus Marsh were delighted to be able to stop at the market on their way to Echuca, making a beeline for a stall full of toys, including a large selection of Matchbox cars.

Members of the Lake Eppalock Coast Guard were also at the market, with the coast guard boat in tow for residents to take a look at and learn more about.

The Lake Eppalock Coast Guard is due to get a new boat at the end of the year.

Coast Guard officer Andy Reaburn said the unit was looking forward to it.

‘‘It will be another foot longer and a slightly different design, so we’ll have a side door which will allow us to lift people out of the water into the boat without having to pull them up over the side, which will be much better,’’ Mr Reaburn said.

The next market will be on the first weekend in December and will be the last chance for local residents to shop at the market before Christmas.