THE biggest and best swap meet in the southern hemisphere will roll into Ballarat today with more than 2000 people expected to descend on the airport for the annual extravaganza.
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For Sebastopol's Damian O'Doherty, the chance to pick up a bargain is what keeps him coming back year-after-year.
"It's an opportunity to dispose of a few things, but it's also a great opportunity to get a few things," he said.
"Not only that, it's a real meeting place for people.
"I've been coming here since it began, and you can meet people from interstate, from trade shows - everyone's here to have a great time."
Mr O'Doherty is also secretary of Ballarat's vintage classic car club, which has more than 500 members.
"I generally come down to talk to people, we sell a few things, but most of my interest is in much older cars," he said.
"Quite often a lot of that material is spoken for, but every now and then, a little jewel pops up. It's the thrill of finding something, it's the thrill of the pursuit.
"As time has gone on, it's not just about the older cars, it's more and more bric-a-brac, so it gives something for others who aren't fanatical about cars to come in and have a look at, and see what they can find."
More than 2700 vendors will line up this morning to secure their positions at 2pm when the gates fly open.
The major day is Friday and all-up 15,000 people are expected to file in through the gates across the two days.
The Ballarat Swap Meet is run by the combined Rotary Clubs of Ballarat and operated by Rotary and staffed by volunteers. This year's event will also act a fundraiser for bushfire charities.
"$2 from every entry is going to the Rotary National Bushfires Appeal and drought relief," site holder liaison officer Clare Bennett said.
"Every cent of what is donated will make its way to those in need, not to the charities.
"It's the 31st Swap Meet and the biggest in the southern hemisphere.
"If you can't find it at the Ballarat Swap Meet, you can't find it anywhere."
Swap Meet is at Ballarat Airport Friday and Saturday.
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