Markets by the Lake is set to return on September 25 after a break of over three months due to winter and the COVID lockdown.

Organiser Stuart Wallace said the event will look a little bit different due to new restrictions but he is still expecting the first day back by the lake to be a joyous occasion.

"It's been a bit of an ordeal making sure it's all safe on our return but we're really looking forward to going back and to be honest I think it will be fantastic," Mr Wallace said.

"I think people will be happy to get out and go back to that bit of normality. This will be a chance for people to get out in the fresh air and I'm expecting it to be great and well-attended."

As well as barbeques and food stalls the markets are also packed to the brim with stalls selling unique clothes, decorations and other accessories.

Rebecca Medhurst is one of the organisers of the event and also runs a stall selling bespoke children and women's hats with her mother.

She said lockdown has forced them and other stallholders to spend some time working on their products and she expects there to be plenty up for grabs when the markets return.

"We've taken lockdown to get behind the sewing machine and get the scissors out to prepare for what we expect is going to be a busy spring and summer coming up," Mrs Medhurst said.

"All the stallholders and the customers have been champing at the bit to get back out and have something to do so it's great we can all see them again."

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For the past three years the markets have been the main fundraiser for CanAssist Wagga Wagga.

CanAssist's Bill Lane said the charity is looking forward to getting back out there to raise money after a rough few months.

"We've done nothing for four, five weeks and to be honest it has been a rough year," Mr Lane said.

"It is unreal that we're returning and we can't wait to get back out there."

Mr Lane encouraged Wagga residents to head down to the lakeside markets if they got the chance.

"It would be great if everyone would come down - the more the merrier," he said.

"If it's anything like it was downtown on Saturday it will be fantastic."

Markets by the Lake is held at Apex Park from 9am to 1pm on the last Saturday of each month.

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