Six-year-old twins Jake (left) and James have until now received virtually the same presents from Father Christmas, but their mum, Nyree, has reliable information that the man who wears the big red suit may make a few changes this year.
The Investigator College Reception students at Victor Harbor campus are obviously excited about Christmas coming up, and they’ll get another double treat – the pageants at Victor Harbor on Saturday, December 10 from 6.30pm, and Goolwa on Sunday, December 11 from 6.30pm along Cadell Street and later Arthur Neighbour Reserve.
Of course, Father Christmas will be at both pageants – there’s no show without this jolly fellow. And then there’s the huge celebrations in Strathalbyn on Friday, December 16 – Christmas where the Angas Flows.
All of the festive season pageants and the New Year’s Eve celebrations would not be possible without scores of dedicated volunteers.
The Victor Harbor pageant will this year be run by the Victor Harbor Rotary Club, and immediate past president and organiser Rob Williams said all of the Christmas and New Year activities were a wonderful example of community spirit.
“With our pageant this is enormous support from the Victor Harbor-Port Elliot Lions Club, the local Historic Motor Vehicles Club, and a lot of help from the Victor Harbor Council,” Rob said.
“We will have 50 floats this year, and for the first time in a few years there will be prizes for the best and most original concepts. There will be seven bands, and of course lots of clowns. It’s about fun and celebrating Christmas for all the right reasons.”
Based on last year’s attendance, about 10,000 spectators will enjoy the Victor Harbor pageant, and then gather at Warland Reserve about 7.30pm for Carols by the Sea with Santa in his tent at 8.30pm.
Likewise, the Goolwa pageant is a huge event put together by volunteers with tremendous support from Alexandrina Council. The Goolwa Lions Club, Rotary Club of Goolwa and the Combined Churches work together to host the annual event, with support from local businesses. Well done.
Christmas where the Angas Flows is an annual Strathalbyn community event that has been running, in a variety of formats, for many years. It celebrates the end of the school term and provides an opportunity for local businesses to thank the community for their support. The event is also covered by a total ‘dry zone’ (7am-7am) to encourage a fun family atmosphere.
The December 16 pageant, carols by candle light in the Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens, and the LJ Hooker Strathalbyn fireworks are activities immensely enjoyed by the local community.
The Strathalbyn Church inter-council facilitates the Carols by Candle Light and other children’s entertainment. The Strathalbyn & Lakes Tourist Association (SLTA) co-ordinates the pageant – again, overall a big effort by many volunteers.
New Year’s Eve (the Saturday night) promises to set the Fleurieu skies alight with fireworks planned for Victor Harbor, and after the 19th annual Normanville New Year’s Eve pageant.
The Normanville pageant, presented by Yankalilla Foodland, will consist of more than 40 colourful floats leaving Katherine Drive at 7.30pm, with fireworks on the foreshore about 9.45pm. This event has a huge following because of the timing – when most of the tourists are in the region – and has grown significantly in recent years.
The Victor Harbor New Year’s eve celebrations from the Causeway usually attract more than 10,000 spectators enjoying the festivities around Warland Reserve, and 30,000 locals, families and visitors relaxing along the foreshore to watch the spectacular fireworks displays. It all starts with that character himself, Humphrey B. Bear at 7.30pm. It’s a great family night. And please drive carefully these holidays.