Story & photos Eve Jeffery
Yesterday’s Byron Farmers Market was all aflush for the annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, when stallholders and patrons are encouraged to pink it up for the morning to help raise awareness and dollars.
The event was also all aflutter with Fair-Rie, Byron’s own Pink Breast Cancer awareness sprite, who posed for photos and sprinkled market joy.
Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Farmer and Best Dressed Customer, both male and female, and the Best Dressed Stall.
Barb Pinter from the Byron Breast Cancer Support Group said that the morning was well supported with a lot of people coming to visit the market and the group’s stall.
‘Hundreds of people stopped by. We had a fantastic crew of about 20 volunteers, and market manager Mike Stack has done an awesome job of supporting us with hampers and helping the volunteers.’
Barb said the stallholders really got into the spirit of the event, going all out to create a very pink atmosphere.
Barb said there were also people who stopped by the stall who had experienced breast cancer.
‘It’s always very important that we touch base with those people,’ said Barb. ‘We need to make sure we link them up with what they need.’
Barb said that the group has had nearly 200 participants over the years, including people who currently have, or previously had, breast cancer, and their loved ones.
‘We really want to thank the community who come out and get behind us,’ said Barb. ‘It’s not just about the funds that are raised; it’s about the good spirit.’
Market manager Mike said that it is events like these that are the fabric of this local market. ‘It is essential for the community and it is essential for us,’ he said. ‘All our moneys are donated.’
Mike said that the yearly Pink Market has a growing reputation and people make the effort to come to it.
‘It was extremely busy this morning because this is an annual event for the Byron market,’ said Mike. ‘All the stallholders were busy and a lot of money was raised for the cause.’
On Saturday October 26, the Byron Breast Cancer Support Group will have its 10th anniversary celebration at Apex Park in Byron Bay from 10am till 2pm. All are welcome to attend.
The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month. They meet at the Byron Senior Citizens Hall in Marvell St from 12.30 till 2.30pm.
To find out more, visit the Byron Breast Cancer Support Group website.
