DESPITE weather concerns, Penola’s annual Christmas Street Party went ahead with residents and visitors basking in sizzling hot temperatures.
Crowds were not deterred by the near-record breaking temperature on December 20, with hundreds coming together for the annual event despite the district recording a maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees.
Penola and District Business and Tourism Association members provided free water, icy poles and a sprinkler to help keep attendees cool at Penola War Memorial Park.
Children were kept entertained with a water fight after Santa handed out water pistols and bubble wands.
Penola Lions Club also joined in on the fun, providing a free barbecue.
Due to the severe weather conditions, the jumping castle, fairy floss and popcorn machine were unable to operate at the event.
Association member Simon Meare thanked sponsors and businesses for their efforts in ensuring the event was a success despite the sizzling weather.
“Numbers were down compared to last year but that is understandable due to the heavy weather,” Mr Meares said.
“It would have been better if there were more people in attendance but it is understandable due to the conditions we were handed.”
Mr Meares said by around 6.30pm the weather had cooled, allowing children to see the jolly man in red.
“By the time Santa had arrived, the weather was great and there were more kids around,” he said.
“Unfortunately we could not use the jumping castle and other activities due to the weather but the children enjoyed the water fight regardless.”
The bumper crowd of community members enjoyed a range of Limestone Coast food and wine, before the decorated bike, stuffed Santa and Christmas raffle winners were announced.
The combined Howlett and Gerritsen family’s stuffed Santa entry claimed first prize ahead of wineries Patrick of Coonawarra and Majella.
Matt and Imogen Fiegert were awarded first place for their tinsel-covered bikes, with Mika Cox and Isaac Loader winning second and third place respectively.
“The Stuffed Santa competition was popular again this year and the winners also displayed fantastic results,” Mr Meares said.
“The raffle was also a hit and was spread around the community while allowing us to also raise some money.”
Mr Meares hoped the success of the association’s signature event would attract new members in 2020.
“If we can get more members on board we can do more around the community and it allows us to put more on for the party,” he said.
“The more that we can do the better it will be.”
Fellow association member Catherine Robinson praised the attendees, but made special mention of the town’s children for sticking out the extreme weather.
Ms Robinson said the decorated bike winners provided a great amount of entertainment for attendees with Matt and Imogen riding around the park as Rudolph and Ms Claus.
“It was wonderful that some of the children still came down with their bikes decorated,” Ms Robinson said.
“Imogen was giving every-one a type of royal wave and telling them all to have a Merry Christmas while Matt was riding her around.”
