The huge volunteer effort involving Tenterfield Lions, Rotary, the helicopter support group and lots of other organisations combined to put on lots of attractions to draw families into the park and show them a good time.

READ ALSO:

A highlight of the evening, of course, was Santa’s arrival on the big red fire truck. After chatting with all the kids he left with a bundle of letters to which he’ll be answering.

Lions’ Ken Poulsen said the participation of the several stallholders from the Tenterfield Farmers and Producers Market, along with the Men’s Shed, cacti, jewellery and candle stalls added to the atmosphere. ‘Marumalay’, the new local endeavour marketing bush tucker and teas, was represented, along with a craft table and lots of activities for the kids.

He said the assistance provided by Tenterfield High School students was very much appreciated, as was the support of sponsors. The Tenterfield Chamber of Tourism, Industry and Business supplied the prizes for the colouring-in competition, with Michael Bowden on hand to collect his winnings.

The Granite Belt Community Band provided a fitting backdrop of Christmas tunes, and the miniature train kindly provided by Daryl McCarthy kept kids on the move (at least until it blew a tyre!).

The resulting donation to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter from the night is yet to be tallied, with proceeds from the chocolate wheel, sales of hams and Lions Christmas cakes and other fundraisers yet to be added to the $400 cleared from the raffle.

With such a success this year Mr Poulsen doesn’t anticipate there will be too many changes for the next carnival ,which is rapidly become a Tenterfield Christmas institution.