Christmas is coming!
Smile for Santa! Archer Edwards, 5, from Branxholm, Lola Smyth, 3, from Bridport, Hazel Edwards, 3, from Branxholm and Charlie Hughes, 3, from Scottsdale
are getting into the Christmas spirit ahead of a shopping spectacular on Friday night.
December 6, 2023
With a splash of tinsel here and there, Christmas cheer is starting to brighten the streets of Scottsdale ahead of this Friday’s Late Night Shopping Extravaganza.
Karen Rainbow and her team of helpers have this week been adding community-funded tinsel and decorations around King St, Victoria St and George St to brighten up the area in readiness for the Silly Season.
Cakes have been cooked and candles poured in readiness for the Makers’ Market at the Mechanics’ Institute Hall which has been fully trimmed with Christmas colour including a 3m-tall Santa.
And shop owners are busily stocking their shelves full of Christmas gift ideas as they keep their doors open with various discounts and promotions in store until approximately 8pm.
Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Maria Branch said Friday’s activities would be a wonderful occasion for people to get their Christmas shopping done in one place.
“The Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to come into Scottsdale, to shop, to eat and experience the joy our beautiful town has to offer with its vast range of giftware and requirements to satisfy all their needs and most importantly, supporting our local businesses this year more than ever,” Ms Branch said.
“The businesses open their doors after hours so locals can meet up with friends, get into the festive Spirit of Christmas and feel part of our wonderful, close-knit community.”
The Makers’ Market will be jam packed with 16 stalls from producers and makers from around the region.
“This is our fourth market and there will be a variety of different stalls – lots of presents for everybody,” The Mechanics’ Ally Mercer said.
“We have incredible talent here making everything from homemade candles to food and drink, clothing and Christmas attire – from 4pm to 8pm.”
The McCallum family and friends will be providing entertainment on the lawns of the Uniting Church in King Street with traditional Christmas hymns and songs.
The Lucky Shopper promotion is also in full swing ahead of being drawn on Monday, December 18, with entries available in participating shops.
First prize is a surprise humongous hamper with goodies valued at $1326 while second prize is worth $669 and third prize is $593, with prizes going up to 12th.
But in breaking news, Santa has lost his reindeer and needs your help to find them in time for Christmas Eve.
The nine mischievous mammals are pictured in various shop windows, with entry forms available for collection and drop off at the Cottage Bakery, with vouchers up for grabs.
And, while you’re on the lookout for Santa’s reindeer you can also look out for the letters that spell Christmas in local shop windows to go into the draw to win a cash prize.
Christmas letter entry forms can be collected and dropped off to the Scottsdale Shoe Shop.
Both competitions close on Friday, December 15.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Rotary Dorset Christmas Celebration will be held at the Scottsdale Recreation Ground from 11.00am till 2.00pm.
The free family event has something for everyone from Fijian fire dancers to live performances, face painting, laser tag, pony rides, food stalls and rides.
Dorset Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said Friday’s event marked the beginning of a season filled with gatherings that would draw the community close.
“The festive spirit brings an abundance of joy, unity, and a sense of togetherness to many in our community,” he said.
“As we embrace the festive cheer, let's prioritise safety and keep a watchful eye over one another. Stepping into the New Year, let's stride forward with hope, resilience, and unity, nurturing a community where safety and harmony thrive.”