
Blessed by the presence of Baba Desi: The Belgrave Wizard and the Transformers Optimus Prime & Bumble Bee.
Still only three months old, I revisited the
Out-the-Back Market at Tecoma. My first reaction when I saw the market as I drove past it to park was that it had grown and it was exciting to see so many stalls packed into 3 rows. I immediately got the feeling I was at a carnival. The weather being beautiful only helped enhance that good mellow feeling and it turned out to be such a good experience just being there. Probably because of the atmosphere of excitement in the air as people were looking forward to the entertainment for the day.

Exciting growth in 3 months that includes Transformers & a Wizard flying in for the day.
The crowd was already milling around anxiously awaiting the promised arrival of their favourite Transformers, Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee. Arrive they did, walking down to the market after crossing the streets at the traffic lights. Traffic slowed down as drivers with quizzical expressions looked on, wondering what was going on. Hoards of children were thrilled as they watched the 'show' put on by the Transformers going through their 'routine'. The children themselves made quite an effort to dress up as little superheroes.

Stall holders from Wildwood Herbals (with child), Tenae Lily (with husband) and Reptarium - Aquarium (with Bumble Bee) posing with the Transformers
It was not only the Transformers that graced this market, but
Baba Desi, the Belgrave Wizard was also there. Over the years I have seen him at the Camberwell Markets but had never spoken to him. I did however chat to him at
Indie Market Place's other market, the
Begrave South Community Market in November (2014) last year and again today. This is the second time of the three times the Out-the-Back Market has been open that the Wizard has visited. As always, he's colourfully, artistically and uniquely dressed. You just gotta love his style. He puts it all together beautifully.

Cafe 1551; MrDuk; Thai gentleman's store (top row) Stall holder from DMG Fashion; Mr's B's British Bakery and Soy Poured by Hand
For a moment there, everyone was lost in the fantasy and excitement of the visitors from another planet. I daresay even the stallholders forgot their stalls as they came forward to pose with the Transformers and some with the Wizard as well. Mothers were passing babies onto the Transformers, children were doing a pose off in their costumes, grown adults were having pictures taken with Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee. It was definitely the highlight of the day.
Face painter
Tabatha of
Rockabilly Kitchen was kept busy painting a lot of superhero faces on the children. A talented woman who not only runs Rockabilly Kitchen but doubles as a face painter as well.
After the excitement of the Transformers had died down (they left), along came the
Bilton Academy of Irish Dancing who were up next in line to entertain. They had a hard act to follow but I thought the young ladies and a very young gentleman held their own. They tapped their way through a fair few routines dressed up in their beautiful costumes. They also had the 'hat' out as they are working very hard at raising some much needed funds for a new dance floor.

DMG Fashion's clothing stall (1st pic top row) and Rockabilly Kitchen's slices and other goodies flanking all the goods that belong to a stall owned by a Thai couple who don't have a website or Facebook page, just a huge variety of beautiful products.
There were quite a few new faces (stall holders) at the market.
Creative Jewellery Supplies and
Vertigo Designs joined forces and had a big table area for all their beautiful jewellery and gorgeous canvas printed bags. Even the
Animal Justice Party was out in full force getting signatures for a petition.
Chocolette Patiserrie brought her delicious macarons and
Mac N'Cheese (known as Twisted Mac on Facebook) were serving macaroni with a choice of toppings and salsa or pesto.

MrDuk's pies and tarts and 3 pics below of jewellery from the Thai couple's store
The regular
Cafe 1551 from Tecoma was serving out the coffees and cakes while
MrDuk of
MrDuk @ Vision Gardens was selling his signature duck and beef pies among other flavours and even had some pecan pies and cake.
Wildwood Herbals had some spiced chai tea brewing in a teapot among her herbal varieties of tea. It was quite delicious. One would not have gone hungry or thirsty on the day. I of course had to make sure I stopped by
Mrs B's British Bakery for some of her eccles cake and bakewell pies to take home to some very British friends of mine who adore it. She has lots more English delights at her stall.

Jewellery from Freya's Fancies in the top row and Creative Jewellery Supplies and Vertigo Designs forming part of the bottom row.
There was a huge stall run by a couple from Thailand but they didn't have a Facebook page or website. However they had a huge variety of jewellery, accessories, jackets, gorgeous cotton pants with a skirt-like overlay and skirts, hemp woven hats and a variety of other clothing. Can't wait to check them out more thoroughly again. All in all a great day at the markets, came home with a few goodies and looking forward to the next market at Tacoma. Make sure you come down too. I'll leave you with images of the wonderful day had by all.

The Wizard has arrived, and Bumble Bee with Babies

Children and parents milling around the Transformers

The Transformers arriving (top row) Tenae Lily with Optimus Prime while Freya's Fancies is with Bumble Bee. Bottom middle, Bumble Bee getting hungry for some Mac N Cheese

If you feel a random act of kindness coming on, do call 0434 517 636 to help these young people reach their goal to attain a new dance floor.