With less than 40 days until Christmas, Corangamite’s business community is gearing up for some special events to get in the festive spirit and encourage people to shop local.
More than 20 businesses are involved in Camperdown’s Christmas Festival planned for 11 and 12 December weekend. The festival, which is in its fourth year, is getting back to its original format after COVID last year.
Michelle Elijah from Benallacks Sports said there will be street decorations, a jumping castle, merry-go-round, prizes, pictures with Santa, and a treasure hunt for kids.
“The basic idea when we started the festival was to get together to keep people shopping and have a bit of joy for Christmas, and it turned into a fun event in the avenue.
“The activities are really popular with families and people end up at our store and say ‘Wow, I’ve visited four shops I’ve never been to before’,” she said.
Ms Elijah said it was lovely to see Manifold Street busy again.
“I feel that people are coming back. Even if it’s buying lots of little things instead of big things, it all helps.”
Cobden will host a Mega Op Shop sale on Saturday 20 November with live music, gifts, local crafts, face painting, and an all-age code word scavenger hunt around the businesses.
The following Friday 26 November is an All Day Christmas Shopping event with lots of gift giving inspiration. Other planned December events include Christmas with a Difference and Christmas Carols by Karaoke at Thommos Hotel.
Progressing Cobden’s Kelvin White said funds that usually went into the Spring Festival had been re-purposed into several community events leading up to Christmas.
Terang is hosting its popular Gala Night differently again this year due to COVID. Shoppers can buy tickets at participating stores to be in the draw to win a trailer, wheelbarrow or basket full of local goods. The draw will take place in front of the Terang Co-Op on Thursday 23 December.
Business owner Michael Reicha said a Christmas lights competition will also add some cheer. He said after a long winter, most local businesses were back up and rolling, and little touches such as the piano in Johnstone’s Court were attracting interest.
“The food places have had a great year and it means the other businesses have had a chance,” Mr Reicha said.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein encouraged residents to support local this Christmas.
“It could be getting along to a community event, buying a voucher for accommodation or for your favourite pub or café,” Cr Gstrein said.
“A little goes a long way and you might be surprised by what you find locally.”
Other community events in Corangamite include:
Lismore: Town party, Friday 17 December from 5:30 pm. Lismore Community Centre. Seymour Street.
Port Campbell: Christmas Tree, Recreation Reserve, Friday 17 December.
