Cap comp back for seasonal support

Wool-ready: Shari Ellis was one of 30 entrants in last year's Battle of the Beanies. Photo: SUPPLIED

WITH winter here, the battle will soon be on to see who can make the best knitted caps as part of a returning competition at the Smythesdale Country Market.

After debuting the event last year, the Battle of the Beanies is set to return in just over two weeks with each hat to be donated to Uniting Care's winter relief.

Smythesdale Country Market spokesperson Jaymee Ellis said organisers are looking forward to the comp's return.

"Last year was insane with the amount of people that turned up, and we only had the one prize," she said.

"Because last year was amazing in terms of the community response, this year we have three prizes across three categories which are creativity, fun and technique.

"This is something a little bit different that brings attention to homelessness in Ballarat and sparks a bit of interest in a fun way."

Last year's event saw 30 beanies donated to Uniting Care, with about 700 people attending the competition.

The beanies will once again be judged by members of the Scarsdale Country Women's Authority with each prize to be donated by a local business.

"This event alongside our others part of the market has been just an amazing display of a community coming together," she said.

"Last year people also offered donations of winter jackets and blankets as well which we’d never asked them for.

"I just don't know how to describe how amazing small towns are and the ability for them to come together for different causes."

The Best Beanie Battle will take place on Saturday, 17 June from 9am to 1pm at the Smythesdale Country Market, with entries to be brought in on the day.