After running for 26 years Noosa Marina Sunday markets staged their final event last Sunday with stallholders expressing their sadness at the closure.
Clarrsse Lopes, who also sells her wares at Eumundi Markets, said she would miss the friendly, relaxed vibe of the market combined with live music at the marina which had created a fantastic atmosphere.
“I enjoyed being here. The time goes so quick I didn’t feel that I was working. The people are relaxed. They have time to see the boats coming and going, see the band. It’s my favourite market,” she said.
Lorelle Phoenix agreed it was the community and local bands that gave the market its unique vibe. Lorelle said living close by had made it convenient for her to bring her wares to the market and she couldn’t see herself travelling to any other market.
Mother and daughter stallholders Dorothy and Christine said they didn’t know what they would do with their stall.
Dorothy said they were discussing the possibility of establishing another market elsewhere with other stallholders.
Noosa Marina general manager Warren Smith said the decision was made to shut the markets down due to a slow decline in stallholders and patrons.
“Since Covid there’s been a slow decline with the markets and more people are shopping and selling online,” he said.
Mr Smith said there had been a natural attrition of stallholders but a younger generation hadn’t come forward to replace them.
The marina will continue to run its popular annual events including the Noosa Marina Scooter Show and VW car show, and continue to host live music from 10am on Sundays, with a view over the marina, he said.
