More than 10,500 people joined the car convoy at the Valley Lakes precinct to see NF McDonnell and Sons Santa’s Boulevard over the past five nights. Demand was strong and free tickets sold out and were replenished several times as interest in the twinkling Christmas display surged.
Santa’s Boulevard featured 14 Christmas floats including Christmas in Toy Town, Pirates ‘R’ Us, Bill the Steam Shovel, Hansel & Gretel, The Christmas Tree, T’was the night before Christmas, Humpty Dumpty, the Christmas Stocking and Santa.
“We had lights in the trees, decorations and Christmas music in pockets along the boulevard which captivated people of all ages,” City of Mount Gambier Events Team Leader Xarnia Keding said.
“Cars, coaches and buses come through and it was great to see the excitement and enjoyment that people got out of the event. The feedback from the community has been amazing and we had so many positive comments from those who thought that it was truly magical and how it has helped everyone to get into the festive Christmas spirit.”
Council’s events team, the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade Advisory Group and many volunteers planned the COVID safe drive by static Christmas spectacle for months to be held in place of the annual parade due to COVID restrictions.
“Given the restrictions in place, I think the event really worked and provided an opportunity to showcase and activate the beautiful Valley Lake area,” Mrs Keding said.
