Violet Town has a great night!
Violet Town residents turned out in force, over 300 people passed through the gates, to celebrate the Festive Season with friends and neighbours.
There was something for everyone, for the young and for the not so young including food, drinks and ice cream, entertainment and although dry, a wonderful warm to cool evening in which to enjoy it all. Violet Town Action Group and the Violet Town Lions Club are to be congratulated for providing a much needed whole-community activity. This is a must for years to come!
Steak sandwiches provided with the compliments of VTAG were prepared by the Violet Town Lions Club
Food, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, vegetarian and chicken wraps and drinks was provided with the compliments of Violet Town Action Group and cooked on the BBQ by the Violet Town Lions Club. Special thanks go to Bronwen Staff for her super effort coordinating the purchase of all the food.
The queue was long but no one was detered, as most people seemed to be either eating or have eaten something.
Early entertainment was provided by and Ella and Jessie Hooper sang some new songs they have been working on. We had a juggler entertaining the young mostly, who managed to engage in his repertoire of tricks including a bed of nails, Peter Landvogt. Wow, that must have been painful Peter!
Large balls, donated by Violet Town Action Group, provided great entertainment to the many children running around the Recreation Reserve oval.
Christmas raffle and decorated homes competition
As the sun was setting winning tickets in the Violet Town Traders Christmas raffle were drawn by Robin Machin and the ten lucky winners were able to collect their hampers, which contained an excellent assortment of goods ideal for further celebration over the Christmas / New Year period.
More than 20 homes decorated with a Christmas theme in Violet Town were considered by the judges for the best decorated house.
The judges found it difficult to select the best but eventually reduced the competition to a shortlist of four. Chrissy Anderson of High St received first prize, the $100 donated by the 'Best little Op Shop'. more ...
Violet Town Christmas Carols
As it got darker, around 8:30 pm it was time for the carols supported by the Rose City Band from Benalla. So that every one could sing along with the choir, a song sheet was passed around.
Choir members included Helen Rankin, Janet Allen, Heather Bray, Sandy Garrett, Annabelle James, Rebecca Jennings, Helen Keighery, Helga Leunig, Margaret Nichols, Kate Ranking, Tessa Rankin, Renee Rankin, Keeley Semela and Nola Wood.
On strings were Kate Rankin and Rebecca Jennings with violin and Renee Rankin with cello and Rebecca Jennings on percussion. Well done and thank you to the choir members who it is understood spent many hours practising.
If you wish to join next year's choir please contact Community House on (03) 5798 1288 or Helen Rankin on (03) 5798 1575.
Santa arrived with bell ringing
Santa arrived with a loud ringing of his bell
While the choir was singing, a bell was heard ringing on the other side of the oval. A mad dash was made by all the children in the direction of the bell and the lights of the vehicle, knowing of course what it was all about. 'Great expectations'.
With a lot of ho ho-ing Santa tossed bags of sweets to the milling shouting throng. When his bag of treats was empty Santa was driven, ringing his bell loudly, in front of the crowd watching and listening to the carols. Rather drowned out the singing for awhile.
The public address and sound system used to great effect during the night were installed and set up with thanks to Mario and Andy Guerin - without these those further away may not have been able to hear as clearly as they did. There were others whose 'behind the scenes' assistance was invaluable and the organisers give many thanks for their effort.
Violet Town Action Group and the Violet Town Lions Club are to be congratulated for providing a much needed relief from the stresses of the past year - we can only hope that the same sort of community event can be organised at the same time next year.
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858