We were shown by some friends a short-cut to the city CBD via Toorak's side streets and we came across this Swedish Church in Melbourne. They were having a fete or a bazaar which I later found out is its traditional and very popular Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar, held always on the first weekend in December.
The Swedish Church was formerly the residence of the Governors of Victoria. It served as Victoria's Government House from 1854 until 1876 when the current purpose-built Government House took over that role. The property was bought in 1956 by the The Swedish Church who undertook further renovations, adding to it the chapel on the ground floor. For more history about the building and church, click here.
The atmosphere of the place was festive with stalls full of interesting and colourful items from the local Swedish community and from Sweden, Denmark and Norway, specially imported for the Bazaar.
The fete is the major fundraiser for the Scandinavian community in Victoria. It also provides a place to showcase Scandinavian products. There was even a raffle; the first prize being a trip for two to Scandinavia. Got myself a ticket and if you see a posting of places in Sweden or any one of the Scandinavia countries, then you know who got first prize.
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This looks like a lovely place - I need to see more of America, and the world for that matter!
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