MILLICENT’S annual Carols in the Shearing Shed continues to be a wonderful expression of community spirit with the largest attendance in several years attending Sunday’s event.
The bare surroundings of the Millicent Showgrounds shearing shed underwent their yearly makeover when a crowd of 250 of all ages came together.
With a massive pine tree and other festive season decorations, seven traditional Christmas carols were sung with great enthusiasm.
Youngsters merrily waved their battery-operated candles while singing along to such favourites as Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger.
Guest performers Amy Williams, Joan Morgan, Leon Hancock, Caitlyn Altschwager, Mary Bawden, the Millicent Choral Society and the Beachport Ukulele Group delighted the gathering with their talents for almost two hours.
It was the first Millicent carols performance for Mr Hancock and the Beachport Ukulele Group and they were well received.
Christmas messages were presented by Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll OAM and Phillip Galley of the Millicent Baptist Church.
Mr Noll said all should take time to think of less-privileged in our society who are facing a bleak Christmas.
He said it was damning the “lucky country” could not provide everyone with a good standard of living.
The mayor said the message of Christianity was to take care of our fellow man.
“This applies whether you are a Christian or not,” Mr Noll said.
“Not just be good, but do good.
“That is the challenge for our community.”
Red Cross regional administrator David Walshaw was the compere for the 17th time and he led the night with his usual aplomb.
The Millicent Show Society provided the venue at no charge, Barry Long and his work crew ensured it was clean while Tim Whennen operated the public address system.
Carols in the Shearing Shed is staged each year by th Millicent Baptist Church and a collection of $531 will be shared equally between the Millicent and District Hospital and the Millicent Cancer Support Group.
The yearly function began in the early 1990s and has been held every year since with the exception of 2011.
Meanwhile, Santa Claus visited the annual KCA Millicent Mill Social Club Christmas picnic at McLaughlin Park on Sunday.
It is the largest works function of its type anywhere in South Australia with an attendance of 720.
Millicent and district is certainly taking on a festive air with many homes and businesses decorated with Christmas lights.
