PENOLA’S annual Stuffed Santa competition has added a touch of Hollywood glitz and glamour to the various jolly men in red which dot the Penola and Coonawarra district.
This year’s competition has attracted 27 entries from wineries, businesses and families all vying for top honours in the seventh annual event.
Event coordinator Jen McCulloch said the calibre of this year’s entrants – which were required to showcase a Hollywood theme – had taken the competition to another level, with the finalist to be announced at Friday night’s Christmas Street Party.
“We do not have as many entrants as we have had in previous years – but all of the Santas we have seen are really impressive,” she said.
“It’s such a fun little event and it’s great to see so many people in the community getting behind it.”
Competition judging was held last night with Penola Primary School principals Olivia Thomas and Anna Copping and Mary MacKillop Memorial School principal Maureen Hanrahan given official duties.
Ms McCulloch encouraged the public to take a drive and see the Santas while they can.
“If you just do a bit of a drive around town and check them out it’s really worth it,” she said.
“There’s some pretty amazing entries this year so I think our judges will have a tough time deciding who the winner is.”
