Getting dolled (and beared) up

The annual Echuca Moama Doll and Bear show celebrates the role these friends play in people’s lives, bringing together collectors, enthusiasts, and curious punters from near and far, while raising money for local charities.

This year’s funds will be split between the 1st Echuca Scout Group and Girl Guides Echuca.

This year’s edition, held later than usual to avoid a clash with Winter Blues Fest, saw a record number of dolls and bears entered to be judged according to one of the organisers Liz Baxter.

“We had 63 entries into the show,” Ms Baxter said.

“Each entry is judged individually, not against each other, and quite a few of the traders were very pleased as several received the coveted blue ribbon from our professional judges.

“It was a bit disappointing in terms of foot traffic, but maybe it’s just not as popular as it used to be.”

Despite the turnout, Ms Baxter and her sister, fellow organiser Kath Walsh, said the day went very well.

“We had traders coming from Melbourne, Mooroopna, Bendigo, and even Deniliquin,” Ms Walsh said.

“Perhaps the threat of rain held a few people off, but we still had dolls from every vintage, lots of teddies, and a steady stream of people looking to get their old dolls repaired.

“It’s a lifelong passion for some people, and some of these dolls have been passed down from generation to generation, so it can be really special.”

The sisters have been involved in running the day for over a quarter of a century, with their love of the collectibles making the mountains of organising easier to bear.

“Dolls especially can reflect who we are,” Ms Baxter said.

“You can actually trace our cultural evolution as a society by looking at dolls from different eras.”

But passion can only get you so far, with the sisters warning unless the event gets more interest, it may be hard to convince traders to return.

“Ultimately, we need more foot traffic,” Ms Baxter said.

“It’s an awful lot of work, and if the traders don’t see the value in coming, we don’t have a show.

“Us organisers are getting on in years too, so we really need the community to step up so we can continue this brilliant event.”