Christmas mania hit Gawler over the weekend as thousands of people crowded into Murray Street, Walker Place and Julian Terrace to see the arrival of Santa Claus to town.
An estimated crowd of 5,000 people watched as the 40 entries in the Villawood Gawler Christmas Parade slowly moved along Murray Street to the immense joy of thousands of children waiting for the man with the big white beard to arrive.
The first glimpse of Santa Claus sent the children wild, chanting “Santa Claus, Santa Claus” as he moved along Murray Street in his automated sleigh provided by Steinborner Automotive.
Event co-ordinator, local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the crowd was awesome and had exceeded the organising committee’s expectations.
“While we were hoping for a good crowd, we didn’t expect this many, and the after-parade activities on Apex Park also drew huge crowds,” said Mr Piccolo.
“It was a sheer joy to see so many smiling little faces, all behaving well, staying behind the white lines, and cheering as Santa Claus came closer.”
“It was great to be able to add to the Christmas spirit, in what is a difficult time in other parts of the world.”
Mr Piccolo said many people enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with their families at a major free event.”
“The parade was meant to be an expression of the diversity of community life in Gawler, and it achieved that goal,” said Mr Piccolo.
“There was something in it for the whole family, and it did have some nice rural touches to it.”
“We had the emergency services, dance groups, animals, vintage vehicles, a pipe band, nativity scenes, clowns, tractors, small businesses and a lot more, all joining in the parade.”
“While the feedback has been really positive, there are a few things we would need to improve if the event was to go ahead next year.”
“While the after-parade event was well attended, and the lighting of the Rotary Club of Gawler Light Riverbank Aussie Christmas display a real hit, we would need to add a few more services next time.”
“We just didn’t expect so many people.”
Mr Piccolo extended his thanks to the thousands of local residents who attended and made it a very successful event.
“Events like this only happen because a lot or people and organisations make a contribution to it,” said Mr Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said he would like to thank the naming rights sponsors, Villawood, the developers of the William Lakes estate, the Town of Gawler, the Gawler Business Development Group, and the Gawler Central Shopping Centre for their financial commitment to the event.
The Rotary Club of Gawler Light had an entry in the parade, cooked sausages at the after-parade event, and provided much need marshals for the event.
The after-parade event was successful because the Gawler Town Band and the Gawler Singers provided musical entertainment, while the Gawler Central Shopping Centre sponsored the children’s entertainment.
Mr Piccolo thanked Steinborner Automotive for providing the “wheels” for Santa Claus.
The event was live streamed over the event Facebook page and is available for viewing at any time.
“We would also like to thank local radio station BBB fm for broadcasting the event on their station.
Mr Piccolo said it would be remiss of him if he didn’t thank all the members of the organising committee for their contributions, and his staff, in particular he wanted to thank his Office Manager, Katherine who put in endless hours of thier own time to bring the event together.
“It was a great team effort.”
The last word must go to Santa Claus who said he was pleased to meet so many happy children, and now he is really busy working on the various Christmas wish lists he received.
“It was a joyful occasion,” Santa Claus said.