It’s been a festive week in the Southern Riverina, with community Christmas parties held across the region.
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The celebrations not only brought together community members to mark the holidays, but provided an opportunity to reward those who have taken time to decorate.
The Finley, Tocumwal and Berrigan festivities all included the announcement of lights competition winners.
On hand at each of the celebrations were the Southern Riverina News’ columnists - From Finley author Anne Freestone, Tocumwal Tells author Leonie Cardillo and About Berrigan author Marianne Whelan.
“Finley had perfect weather for the 2023 Christmas Xtravaganza last Saturday evening, which contributed to the large crowd coming together at Finley Railway Park,” Mrs Freestone reported.
“It was a delight to see so many children exhibiting the true excitement of Christmas and the number of families coming together and enjoying each other’s company.
“There was entertainment for everyone; jumping castles and other children’s games; Jade Camden with her beautiful voice singing carols and, of course, a visit from Santa.
“Santa is having a very busy time at the moment; however, that didn’t stop him from taking time to listen to the children’s stories and their wishes for Christmas.”
At Finley Santa was accompanied by another dignitary, as well as his bodyguard.
“The youngsters were a little unsure at first until they realised that the Grinch, who arrived on the fire truck with Santa, was a good Grinch and not a bad Grinch and he wasn’t going to steal Christmas,” Mrs Freestone said.
“Once again, it is a credit to the Finley Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising such a great event and bringing the community together in the true spirit of Christmas.”
Winners of the Finley lighting awards were announced, with the judges having a very hard decision to make because of the many wonderful displays of lighting around the town.
First prize went to James Ogilvie and Melissa Miaoudis, second prize to Courtney and Josh Ryan and third place went to Mitch and Jess Pyle.
The special award for encouragement, the Chrissie Wastle Memorial Award, went to Oakley Loomes.
“Chrissie Wastle was a local woman who, every year without fail, decorated her house and yard and was always full of Christmas cheer,” Mrs Freestone said.
“Her mother Helen continues to donate the prize, including a perpetual trophy.”
In Tocumwal, locals and visitors gathered for a huge Tocumwal Carols on the Foreshore.
Hosted by the Tocumwal Community Development Committee and Tocumwal Foreshore Committee, hundreds made their way to the foreshore with their picnic rugs and chairs for a festive evening of fun.
“It was a professional line up with Anthony Tenace on sound, and Jade Camden and Paul Vitullo as vocalists, and MCs singing some old favourites as well as some new Christmas tunes,” Mrs Cardillo said.
“The combined schools’ choir did a great job with their rendition of a few carols and the Boots N Us Line Dancers showed off their skills with a festive flair.
“The children were even treated to a visit from Santa with icy poles and glow sticks.”
When it came to the 2023 Christmas lights competition, Tocumwal’s residential winner was Michael and Sue Machin of Morris St.
Second place went to 31 Short St, and third place was awarded to Elizabeth and Adam Kent in Cowley St.
In the business category, March’s IGA took out the top award, with Tocumwal Pharmacy and Tocumwal Post Office in second and third.
Having already hosted its Berrigan Night Market earlier in the month, the Berrigan community’s latest celebrations were the annual Christmas breakfast at the Men’s Shed.
“In addition to the breakfast was the announcement of Christmas Lights winners,” Mrs Whelan said.
“Best decorated house went to Sam and Linda at the corner Chanter and Jerilderie Sts.
“Lisa Mohr and Brian Burston in Jerilderie St were second and Gee Drysdale and Matthew Jones in Jerilderie St were third.
“The Best Light Display award went to David and Yvonne Chamberlain in Horsefall St.
“Neil and Sally Davis, in Davis St, were second and Beth and Adam at the corner Denison and Orr Sts were third.
“Best Business Display was awarded to Berrigan Bakehouse and the commendation prize was awarded to 359 Transport, Oaklands Rd.
“Congratulations to the winners and also to everyone who participated in decorating their houses.”