The Ararat Market returned on Sunday after being cancelled since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Market coordinator Debbie Warrior said most stall owners recorded their highest day in sales.
"We had 42 stalls. The stall owners were really excited to be back, they couldn't wait," she said.
"We had to make it an outdoor market only. The restrictions were just too hard to work with for inside.
"I probably think it's better because it was a really good atmosphere outside."
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Mrs Warrior said everything went "smoothly" with the COVID-19 safe plan.
"We only allowed 50 people to be in the market area," she said.
"Just having extra volunteers was a little bit hard to get, for manning the gates and to make sure people weren't sneaking through other entrances. That was probably our biggest problem, but we managed to get there."
Mrs Warrior said a lot of stall owners were farmers or single-income families who relied on the market for financial support.
"They are happy to be back. We have kept in contact with stallholders throughout Covid and everyone has been pretty good about it," she said.
"Although there were a couple of disappointed ones from Melbourne who couldn't come. They were a bit peeved that the restrictions eased at midnight on Sunday, but they will be happy for next month."
Mrs Warrior said they donated the stallholder's fees to local charities.
"This market we didn't have time to organise it ... but all money raised, we don't keep any of it usually. It goes to a different charity like the hospitals and various clubs like Rotary and Apex," she said.
"We had a lot of support from the community. Everyone loves coming to the event - it has a mix of farmers markets, trash and treasure ... a bit of everything really."
The next Ararat Market is on Sunday, December 13, 9am - 1pm.
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