Santa paraded into Raymond Terrace in style on Sunday morning, escorted by the town's Fire and Rescue NSW unit, children from Port Stephens and a horde of characters and other friends.
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Once the parade arrived at MarketPlace Raymond Terrace, the Christmas Spectacular festivities began. School children from Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Salt Ash sang and danced on stage, Irrawang High School's drum corps demonstrated their award-winning talents and children from the Port's dance schools showed off their impressive moves.
Lines for the annual event's free rides were long all day. Just as popular was a chance to check out the Raymond Terrace RFS, FRNSW and SES units' trucks and equipment, climb the rock wall and check out the hundreds of cars on display as part of the Show N Shine.
Inside the MarketPlace shopping centre was just as busy with families waiting to snap photos with Santa and characters from his parade, taking advantage of free face painting and other fun activities.
Money raised from this year's Christmas Spectacular will be donated to Raymond Terrace Lions and Rotary Club.
MarketPlace centre manager Colleen Mulholland-Ruiz said this year's event was about "local heroes and giving back to the community groups".
"In the past three years we have raised funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Leukemia Foundation and Newcastle Legacy raising over $25,000 in total. This is done is just four hours each year," she said.
"This year we are raising funds for our very hard working community groups, the Raymond Terrace Lions and Rotary Club.
"These two groups are the heart and soul of this community in giving help where needed in many ways. You would be amazed at the work these groups do, not only for our local area but afar as well, not forgetting the great work they our doing for our farmers and many others."
More to come.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
