THE Karuah community came together for a special night of carol singing and festive fun at Longworth Park on Tuesday 16 December.
After rain forced the postponement of the original date the previous week, the evening proved a great success, attracting families and residents to enjoy an evening of entertainment along the Karuah River.
Karuah Progress Association (KPA) Secretary Marion Brown said the event was “bigger and better than ever”.
“Thanks to Port Stephens Council, Kate Washington MP, Karuah RSL and all the businesses and community for their support to make the event a success,” she said.
Headlining the musical entertainment was Get Vocal, a group of young singers coached by Kate Wilson.
Many of the group attend the Hunter School of Performing Arts and relished the live performance opportunity.
Performers of all ages presented a mix of group and solo carol performances, and the seasonally festive atmosphere was enhanced by special appearances from Frosty the Snowman and a talking Christmas tree.
Families gathered on the riverbank to enjoy the performances while watching the sunset over the Karuah River, with sausages sandwiches and drinks available for purchase throughout the evening.
Santa’s arrival – alongside reindeer and elves – saw him check out the Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage rescue boat, before speaking with children to crosscheck his naughty or nice list back at the North Pole.
The Marine Rescue team brought two vessels and welcomed visitors on board, giving the community the chance to learn more about the organisation’s vital role in maintaining waterway safety.
“They have done a lot of rescues up the Karuah river, as well as an enormous area covering Port Stephens, Tilligerry Creek, and surrounding connected coastal and inland waters,” Marion said.
“The service is still looking out for more volunteers.”
The KPA hosted a “monster” raffle, offering prizes valued between $10 and $1,000, before the event concluded, just in time for the Christmas lights around town to start flickering on for the drive home.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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