Cavalcades of retro and vintage cars, swing and rock and roll dancers, and lovers of all things retro converged on Rosedale on Sunday.
The second Rosedale Retro Vintage Festival attracted thousands, with parking in Rosedale’s residential streets full to capacity and shuttle buses transporting visitors from parking at the primary school and sports ground.
A freezing foggy morning proved no hindrance to attracting early visitors, with hundreds lining up to enter the main market in the Prince Street Reserve, and brilliant afternoon sunshine attracted even more people as the day wore on.
Musicians delighted shoppers cramming the cafes and bakery, while on Lyon Street, a display of hotrods, retro vans and historic vehicles attracted admirers.
Lost crafts were on display, with blacksmithing and vintage machinery operating. There was even a penny farthing bicycle builder.
Rosedale Chamber of Commerce committee member Phoebe Moncur said people had travelled from across Victoria for the festival.
“We won’t know the numbers until we check our lists, but it would definitely be in the thousands,” she said.
“We hope to grow it next year.”
Ms Moncur said it was a great opportunity to highlight local shops and businesses, giving people a reason to return to Rosedale.
“We actually had 44 stalls last year and we jammed in 139 stalls this year, which was great,” she said.
“It was an amazing day for the traders, with everyone running to full capacity.
“For only our second year, it was just great.
“It brought the community together; so many community groups got involved.”
