CHRISTMAS spirit has been shown throughout the Penola and Coonawarra region with stuffed Santas dotting the landscape.
Judging for the competition was held on Tuesday and the 2019 winner will be announced at this weekend’s annual Christmas street party.
About 36 “Anything Goes” themed Santas have popped up throughout Penola and Coonawarra, with competition organiser Jen McCulloch praising participants for their creativity.
“People have really embraced this years theme with Santa going scuba diving, sleighing with sheep and dressing up like Elvis,” Ms McCulloch said.
“It always amazes me with the amount of entries we receive each year and the amount of effort and creativity that goes into all of them is always fantastic.
“There are some very creative entries this year with Patricks of Coonawarra having Santa in his sleigh with sheep that are also named after different wines.”
Ms McCulloch said since the competition’s inception in 2010, the community had embraced the festive event.
“Many people come through and have a look at the Santas, which is great for the town,” she said.
“People stop for lunch or do a bit of shopping while they are here.
“It also gets people around town excited for Christmas and the kids absolutely love it so it is some great fun.”
This year Alex Lambert has also joined the judging panel following the family’s continued success.
“The Lamberts are known for their Stuffed Santa entries and were the winners of last year’s competition,” Ms McCulloch said.
“To have Alex on board for the judging panel this year is a fantastic opportunity.”
The Stuffed Santa competition winner will be announced at the Penola Christmas Street Party, which starts at 5pm on Friday.
Despite a forecast temperature in the 40s, Penola and District Business and Tourism Association president Rebecca Trotter said the event would continue, with plenty of shade for revellers to rest.
Ms Trotter said this year’s event would have a family focus, with a range of activities on offer for community members of all ages.
“There will be a jumping castle with both a fairy floss and a popcorn machine with Santa arriving later in the evening,” she said.
“There will also be a pop up bar for the parents with a great range of food vans.”
“We really wanted to make it easily accessible for the community and make sure everyone will be able to get involved.
“We have also experienced a fantastic response from the community on the overall event.”
Alongside Friday nights celebrations, Penola and Coonawarra businesses have demonstrated festive spirit with the annual decorations.
“The town looks fantastic with the Christmas decorations,” Ms Trotter said.
“It is very inviting and brings a lot of festive cheer to the community which will just be enhanced on Friday night.
“The businesses have done a great job decorating their trees and it just makes the town feel so festive and welcoming.”
