Santa Claus was the centre of attention when he arrived at this year’s Kumbia Christmas Carnival; Santa’s helpers ensured all children went away with a free bag of Christmas gifts

December 14, 2017

Santa Claus made an exciting appearance at the Kumbia Christmas Carnival this year, and was mobbed by eager children the moment he set foot in the grounds.

In previous years the jolly gentleman had arrived at the hall in a variety of off-beat conveyances including a police car and – last year – a golf buggy.

But this year he decided to make a bigger impact, and was driven to the grounds in a prime mover with all its lights ablaze.

Once there, helpers quickly escorted the jolly gentleman to a small Christmas tree set up alongside the Pioneers Memorial so he could dispense free Christmas gift bags to adoring children.

As usual, the weather was kind to Kumbia’s Sunday carnival and guests who came early were treated to a perfect summer afternoon.

They could browse a variety of stalls selling anything from home-made jams and sweets to ice creams and toys; take a free tour of the Historical Society’s museum; or indulge in sausage sandwiches and hamburgers made using Kumbia’s secret weapon: mouth-watering meat from Lenihan’s Butchery.

Children were kept amused by a deejay, a jumping castle and a new mechanical bucking bull ride that was sponsored by AGL’s Community Benefit Fund.

Guests could also browse the traditional Christmas tree displays inside the Memorial Hall, which had a Buttons and Bows theme this year, or try their luck with the Ham Wheel that was kept busily spinning all night.

Due to some regular faces being away on early holidays, attendance numbers at this year’s Christmas Carnival were a fraction lower than usual.

But organisers said they were pleased with how the evening worked out.

The Carnival’s happy, upbeat atmosphere was true to form; the town’s living Christmas tree looked splendid bedecked with its traditional baubles; and there were very few seats available at the tables set up for diners in the grounds.

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Gerry and Margaret Gagel from Cheeseworld brought along their special refrigerated cheese van with its treasure trove of rare and delicious cheeses
Dave Murray was selling a range of hard-to-find home-made jams and chutneys, including tomato jam and capsicum chutney
Jen and Julie Lonsdale-Light from JJ’s Kitchen tempted passers by with home made sweets and other mouth-watering treats
Brothers Paul and Morris Winter and Kev McConville took their traditional position at the barbecue, making sure the Lenihans Butchery steaks and sausages were grilled to perfection
Cr Ros Heit picked the winner of this year’s Christmas Tree competition, which was a tree put together in memory of Christmas Carnival stalwart Anne Beil; Kumbia Kindy’s entry was this year’s runner-up
Charlie Slater, 9, from Moorooka was having fun on the new mechanical bull amusement ride, which was sponsored by AGL’s Community Benefit Fund
Grade 4 Kumbia State School student James Whiteman, 10, rode the mechanical bull like an expert
Santa arrived at this year’s Christmas Carnival in a prime mover with all lights blazing
Children were eager for a cuddle from the jolly gent in the red suit …
… and happily posed for photos with Santa Claus shot on their parents’ phones
James Whiteman showed that while he could ride a bull like a pro, he still wasn’t immune to Santa Claus’ charms (or the free bag of goodies)

  

 

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