SANTA paid an early visit to Clarence Town on Saturday 6 December.
The Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade gave him a lift to the Courthouse Museum for the Clarence Town Community Christmas Carols.
Soaring temperatures and bushfire smoke did not deter the crowd.
Lots of locals, and some from further afield, attended the free event.
Cold drinks and ice blocks were popular, but as evening fell, the temperature did too, leading to the arrival of more people.
Local musicians Charlee, Bridget and Jade led the crowd in singing carols.
Families sat on the grass to enjoy the performances.
Chris was MC, while Jack and James, the Museum’s Youth Ambassadors, were kept busy helping out.
Free food vans, balloons, face painting and a jumping castle were just some of the attractions, but the highlight of the evening was Santa’s arrival.
He strolled around, handing out sweets and Christmas cheer.
Lighting the festive tree was another big moment.
The crowd gasped as the tree shimmered with rainbow colours.
The event was organised by the Clarence Town Lions Club in partnership with the Museum.
There has been a long tradition of Christmas carols at the venue.
This year the event had grown to include more community groups.
President of the Clarence Town Lions Club, Trudy Balstad the event “was a huge success, and a beautiful reminder of what makes Clarence Town so special.”
She and her fellow Lions Club members worked tirelessly to make the free community event such a hit.
They were assisted by the Clarence Town Community Builders and other community members.
Everyone insisted that the real heroes of the show were the sponsors with the event funded almost entirely by local businesses.
These include Thomsen’s Automotive, Home Timber and Hardware Clarence Town, Perception Planning, KRH, Clarence Town Progress Association, Clarence Town Bowling Club, IGA and Liquor, and Dowling Real Estate Raymond Terrace.
Dungog Shire Council chipped in with a Youth Grant of $750.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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