Bear and doll show in Echuca Moama

Liz Baxter and her sister Kathleen Walsh are the organisers of the show, which runs from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, July 29.

“Come and have a look at the old toys on display. It’s the first time we’re back since 2019, so we’re wanting the event to be successful,” Ms Baxter said.

“All the profits on the day are going to the local Food Bank.”

Between them, Ms Baxter and Mrs Walsh have more than six decades of experience in doll-making to share with people.

“I started making dolls in 1988, and in that time I’ve made countless, easily a few hundred,” Ms Baxter said.

“I’ve probably painted more heads because I haven’t had the time to make the whole doll.

“The reason I paint so many heads is to give the students an idea of what the actual doll is going to look like. Because you can’t always tell from a picture.

“If you have the head painted, it’s easier to imagine how the rest of it will look. As for relaxing, it depends on the day when you’re trying to paint the eyelashes or eyebrows, because if it’s not going well, you’re going to have a bad day.

“I find it amusing now that I’m a teacher. When I was a student, my headmaster told me I would never become a teacher, as I’m left handed.”

Ms Baxter said the show was a labour of love for the sisters.

“As long as I’m able to stand up and draw breath with my lungs, I’ll still be involved with making dolls and running the bear show,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to another big event.

“My sister, Kathleen, started off with the idea and I thought I would give it a try. I thought it would be nice to make one doll as a decoration for my house that I was renovating. And as they say, the rest is history.”

Mrs Walsh teaches the ancient craft to a small group of ardent fans.

“There’s not many of them, because some of them can take you up to six to 12 months. For example, the knight took just under a year to complete. The difficult part was all the aluminium sheeting,” she said.

“The 38-inch bikie doll took quite a while to make. Her helmet was the most challenging part of the process.

“Her helmet was made using fibreglass. And then her individual tattoos, which were carefully painted on to the porcelain, and then firing it in the oven.”

Mrs Walsh said she was excited by the prospect of the event’s return and encouraged people of all ages to check it out.

“The event usually attracts about 300 to 400 people, and it’s a wonderful event, with the many visitors supporting local charities and revisiting the past,” she said.

“This event has been running since 2001, but returning this year after we took a break in 2019.

“Unfortunately, our dolly doctor passed away, and he would attract many more people and would repair damaged dolls and bears.”

In addition to the wide range of dolls and bears on display, there are doll stalls, old toys and craft items.

Admission prices are as follows: Adults $6, concession $5, children (six years or over) $2 and children under six free.

The Uniting Church Hall is located at 115-117 Hare St.