Twenty-five businesses participated in the Canowindra Christmas Shopping Evening on Saturday afternoon, with people filling the streets and stores on a sunny afternoon for another successful year for the event.
The organising committee did a fantastic job in making this year’s shopping evening bigger and better than ever, bringing thousands of dollars back into the town’s economy. “The growth from last year was incredible,” says Liz Mitchell of Saffi, a member of the organising committee.
“There was no parking in the main street and at some stages the footpath was full. The atmosphere was great and it was good fun. I really enjoyed it.” “It was standing room only in the shop at some points.”
Four Santas were doing the rounds, flooding Gaskill Street with Christmas cheer and holiday spirit while sensational musical performances from Kai Vita and Mackenzie Lazarou entertained shoppers from the verandah of the Old Vic Inn. I was absolutely stoked with the evening,” said Melissa Gersbach, another organiser of the event. “So far we’ve had some really good feedback. People have said the music in the street added atmosphere.” “It was a wonderful evening with a great vibe. Some of the shopkeepers have said they were pleasantly surprised with the turnout and would definitely be supporting
it next year. It was definitely worth the effort.”
Matt and Ross from Coco Harvest, the new chocolate shop in town said they didn’t really know how their business would do on the evening, which coincided with their grand opening. “We didn’t know what to expect,” says Matt, “but the community supported us and it was absolutely amazing.” Coco Harvest almost completely sold out with an enormous crowd coming through
the doors and between 20-25 people in the shop for most of the evening.
“There were throngs of people in here, which was lovely,” said Matt. “It was a brilliant night, well organised and we would love to thank everyone who got involved – we couldn’t have had that success without them.”
Tommy Jeffs hosted 51 families through Montrose House for Santa photos in an extraordinarily successful fundraiser for Canowindra Preschool. Transforming the White Room into an explosion of Christmas colours, the children were delighted to be in “Santa’s Room” for their annual Christmas photos. “The musicians were absolutely brilliant,” said Tommy, “and it was a lovely atmosphere.”
The Christmas cheer continues in Canowindra throughout December with the recent announcement that Cabonne Council will be sponsoring a shop decoration competition, and all businesses in town are invited to be a part of it. The council is offering three $500 prizes – one each to be awarded to the three businesses judged to have the best displays.
Prizes will be in the form of vouchers to be spent in Canowindra businesses of the winners’ choice. Displays will be judged by council representatives in the week before Christmas. Just decorate your shop window to be eligible – dress up your business and light up Christmas!
For further information, please contact Cabonne Council’s Acting Economic Development Manager Dale Jones on 6392 3200 or email dale.jones@cabonne.nsw.gov.au