Sunshine bathed the Newbridge Swap Meet on Sunday. Stallholders arrived in the picturesque Central Tablelands village well before dawn, and buyers showed up not much later. By 7:30am an egg and bacon roll could be seen in almost every hand and the coffee was kicking in.
Some wild storm activity on Saturday evening provided plenty of stories, but no disasters. A record crowd streamed in to browse the 50-plus stalls arrayed on the Newbridge Showground and in the show hall, passing on their way to admire the many vintage vehicles on display. By 9am the village was buzzing with people making multiple trips back to their cars with purchases. Children ran around the playground and friends caught up with one another over a coffee in the pavilion seating area.
This was the inaugural year of the Newbridge Show & Shine. In keeping with the theme of a circular economy voting was done using repurposed materials. Beer bottle caps – carefully rinsed – were the voting tokens issued to visitors, who then dropped them into an empty plant pot – also rinsed – in front of their preferred vehicle. A custom-made trophy and a generous gift voucher from The Gladstone Hotel in Newbridge were presented to the winners of the car and motorcycle entries respectively.
Thanks to the many volunteers who served on the gate, in the car park, on the barbecues and in the canteen, the event was a roaring success. Next year’s Swap Meet will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 (the second Sunday in February). To keep up to date, follow the Newbridge SWAP MEET page on Facebook.
Pictured Left: Brian Harvey, winner of the Show & Shine people’s choice – motor cycle
Pictured Right: James Frape, winner of the Show & Shine people’s choice – car
