The 16th Super Southern Swapmeet held at the airport over the past three days again lured thousands of keen motoring enthusiasts from across the state and across Australia.

It may not be a very high profile occasion for those of us not that interested in becoming a backyard mechanic, but for those who are, the Ballarat event is widely regarded as one of the best swap meets in the country.

For three days each year the Ballarat airport is transformed into an enormous outdoor trading venue, made up of row upon row of cheap parts for cars, boats, caravans, trucks, trailers and just about every other machine imaginable.

It is a collector's dream and proves the old adage that one man's junk is another's treasure.

The bare figures prove that the meet ranks among this city's most important events.

Consider this: it accommodates 2500 stall holders, fills a 70-hectare site, and attracts up to 25,000 people, some of whom have been known to travel from as far away as the United States.

Even before the gates opened at 7am on Friday, a queue of almost 200 cars had gathered, waiting for entry.

The meet is also vitally important in generating income for the region's accommodation sector, as many visitors choose to stay for the full three days.

Sellers and buyers alike say that the Super Southern Swap Meet has a unique atmosphere that encourages visitors to "get away for the weekend".

"It's about sitting around, having a beer and sharing a few stories," Daylesford's Colin Cronin said.

"You meet up with people you only see once a year."

The event has grown enormously since its first year in 1990, and continues to build annually.

Given the success at the weekend, we are hopeful it will stay a permanent fixture in Ballarat, giving the city yet another attraction for many years to come.