The association organised the new-look market as part of plans to strengthen the town's identity and attract visitors in preparation for the Beaufort bypass that will take trucks and highway traffic out of the main street.

Hundreds of people visited the first market at the Memorial Gardens on Saturday and enjoyed a variety of 45 market stalls, children's entertainment, music, outdoor games, food and DIY demonstrations.

See the full gallery of photos from the Beaufort Town Market on Saturday below.

Beaufort Progress Association president Liza Robinson said the market day brought community together.

"I saw nearly every Beaufort resident I know who possibly wouldn't usually go to a market, but all came to show their support," she said.

"A day like today shows there has been a big shift toward town pride and community collaboration. It was a very positive vibe.

"Our goal is to re-establish the country old town market feel, bring the community back to the market and promote Beaufort as the lovely historic country town it is."

Beaufort Town Market ambassador and Ballarat cafe owner Sara Kittelty said the market created a wonderful space for people around Beaufort to congregate while providing an opportunity for community involvement and fostering a connection to place.

"We need to create a reason to love Beaufort and more of a community feel to not rely on the trucks and highway traffic coming through," she said.

"I think there are lots of opportunities for community groups in Beaufort to raise funds at the market and it will be a good way of connecting with locals, especially for new families and people who have moved into the area recently.

"I think the loss of the highway will only make it a better place to live. We probably need a bit of direction and this is a good space to start thinking about that."

READ MORE: RRV released preferred route for Beaufort Bypass, an 11km route to the north of town

The Beaufort town Market raised $176 for the Beaufort Food Pantry and $263 for the Beaufort Men's Shed, while the Raglan CWA sold out of scones and Raglan Hall and Recreation Reserve sold 25 kilograms of Beaufort Butcher sausages.

Saturday's market also hosted the launch of a pop-up museum to celebrate the life of Cyril Callister, the inventor of Vegemite who was born and raised 10-minutes north of Beaufort in Chute.

It follows the establishment of the Cyril Callister Foundation, an organisation led by Cyril Callister's grandson Jamie Callister that is working to create a permanent museum in Beaufort to honour Vegemite and its inventor.

READ MORE: Australia Day in Beaufort will celebrate Vegemite and the man who invented it

The foundation will apply for grants to establish the museum and hopes to start curating Vegemite memorabilia.

Meanwhile, the pop-up museum will be on show to visitors at each Beaufort Town Market.

The Beaufort Progress Association is continuing to work on plans for an RV Wine Tour, promotion of the Lake Goldsmith Rally and the big Australia Day Market as part of its bypass preparation strategy.

The Beaufort Men's Shed had previously run the Beaufort Market that was held on the first Sunday of the month for the past two years before giving up the organising role.

Beaufort Progress Association took on the role after being approached by the Pyrenees Shire Council to run the market.

It will run every fourth Saturday of the month until May 2020.

Visit Beaufort Town Market on Facebook for updates.

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