Santa has one for the road

By Kath Gannaway
JUST how the Warburton Chamber of Commerce managed to get Santa to take time out from his hectic schedule to visit Warburton last week is a mystery.
But, they did! And, as might be expected, the jolly old gentleman was a highlight of the annual Warburton Christmas Street Party on Friday night.
A long line of littlies, including some first timers, made their way across the stage at the Mechanic’s Hall to meet the man of the moment who seemed to have all the time in the world to chat and get a few ideas on what each child was hoping to see under the tree on Christmas Day.
Requests ranged from a boogie board and flippers to a quarterhorse but on the night the traditional bag of lollies was more than enough to keep most of the youngsters happy.
Local Mexican musician, Alesandro, and his band provided a change of pace out on the street with a lively mix of South American music and traditional Christmas songs.
Local celebrity, Melbourne radio personality Tracy Bartram, provided the face for the chamber’s Mystery Face puzzle competition won by Ashley Castleton.
Chamber secretary Norman Orr said there was a great response to the competition with partygoers visiting local shops to pick up a piece of the puzzle to go into the draw for the $100 prize.
In the spirit of the season, Ashley said she was going to give $20 to each of her brothers and put the rest towards a holiday.
Mr Orr said the event had been a great success with lots of people in the street enjoying the entertainment and the opportunity to catch up for a bit of community Christmas cheer.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event which Mr Orr said would include more street activities.