Street party heralds festive season

05th Dec 2023

The arrival of Santa’s sleigh drawn by live reindeers was a highlight of the Rotary Christmas Carnival held on Friday December 1st. 

Reindeers, Santa Claus, train rides, market stalls and one of the biggest crowds in the many years filled Bradley Street on Friday night for the 2023 Guyra Christmas Carnival.
The arrival of Santa in a sleigh drawn by two live reindeers was perhaps the highlight of the night, with children of all ages greeting their arrival with great excitement. Another highlight for the youngsters was the Thomas and Friends electric train which weaved its way in and out of the crowd throughout the evening.
The Carnival was held under threatening skies, but thankfully the rain stayed away and allowed revellers to enjoy a full program of events. The Guyra combined Churches Choir added a festive feel with a performance of carols, followed by the popular Fijian and Samoan dance and song groups.
Santa, with assistance from his Rotary Club helpers, handed out gifts to around 350 children. Despite the long queue Santa kept smiling and posed for photos as he handed over the gifts.
The night ended with Guyra’s Citizen of the Year Beth White flicking the switch to make the town’s community Christmas tree sparkle. She was joined by ARC Mayor Sam Coupland.
The Christmas tree will remain lit up outside ARC’s Guyra office for the rest of the festive season.
An extra element was revealed as the night progressed with new lighting installed in the street trees by the Guyra and Community Progress Association. They also revealed the winner of the Guyra Christmas Business display.
Windsor Antiques was the winner and they received a $200 Royal Hotel Guyra meal voucher and inaugural prize of an engraved Christmas music box.
Business owners Judy and Neil Donnelly collaborated with a couple of Guyra's newest residents, Steve and Viv, to showcase a beautiful display of an Australiana Christmas. Rotary Club of Guyra President David Kanaley had the honour of judging a tightly contested competition.

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