By Jessica Anstice
Families, friends, schools and local community groups gathered together for the annual Garfield Christmas Festival on Friday 13 December.
More than 3000 people hailed in the festive season with a street market, a massive parade in the main street, local performers, awesome food, a visit from Santa and to conclude the night, an incredible fireworks display.
“You could hardly walk through the street there were that many people,” Garfield Community association volunteer Erin Polson said.
“The event is really to support the community and showcase the Garfield Township, as well as getting everyone involved.
“It’s a thriving little town now. It was also good to see new families get involved and see what’s around.”
Ms Polson said the biggest highlight of the night was when Santa made an appearance on the back of the Tynong Fire Brigade tanker during the parade – which involved children from the tennis and netball clubs, little local elves, the Bunyip and District Community Bank piggy and community members with decorated helmets and bikes.
“The kids obviously loved Santa’s arrival on the fire truck,” she said.
“Throughout the event we saw a lot of community involvement. Lots of community groups such as local tennis and netball clubs featured free activates such as mini tennis courts and little netball rings for the kids to play with.
“I definitely think the event is a highlight of the year. As soon as Christmas comes around all the kids are pretty excited.”
As the suns set, everyone headed over to the Garfield Football Oval to catch a glimpse of the spectacular fireworks display.
“It was great. The kids ran around on the oval and the parents were able to relax, unwind and catch up during the fireworks.”
