The event saw Bay Street in Port Broughton transformed into a Christmas wonderland and included the lighting of the community Christmas tree on the foreshore by Barunga West Council Deputy Mayor Peter Button. The Combined Christian Churches sang carols before the official lighting of the tree, with children enthralled by the rendition of their favourite carol, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.
Mayor of Barunga West Council, Leonie Kerley, said it was fantastic to see residents and visitors celebrate Christmas together with genuine community spirit.
“Barunga West has plenty to celebrate after supporting each other through the challenges of the pandemic over the past few years and it was great to welcome everyone back into the town centre for such a joyous occasion,” Mayor Kerley said.
“I am very happy to have seen everyone getting into the Christmas spirit, and to see so many families and children enjoy our wonderful Santa’s Cave experience.
“It was equally rewarding to see the involvement of local businesses and citizens who rallied to enter a record number of floats in the Christmas Pageant, which included a special appearance from Santa himself.”
Santa’s Cave remains as popular as ever, with families lined up outside Gallery 1871 to explore the displays and have their photo taken with Santa. Council has posted 60 letters from children to the North Pole and Santa has promised to respond to all.
For those with sensory issues, Council will for the first time be offering a ‘Sensory Hour’ in its Santa’s Cave at Port Broughton’s Town Hall from 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday, December 20. The low sensory, quiet viewing experience will offer reduced crowds, noise and other distractions to help make a difference to families whose children may find it challenging in a heightened sensory environment. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Council on (08) 83652107.
Santa Cave’s will remain open to everyone from 11am to 1pm from 19 to 23 December.
The winner of the annual Barunga West Christmas Light Facebook Competition will be announced on 23 December.
For information on community events: https://www.topoftheyorke.com.au/events