Santa Did The Rounds At Bowen Street Party

Bowen’s Christmas Street Party was an overwhelming success earlier this month with over 1,000 people filling the town and local shops with festive cheer.

Santa entertained the crowd and live music created a party atmosphere while dozens of market stalls lined the streets inviting passers-by to try their hand at a game or purchase a product.

The local cricket team hosted a ‘ham wheel’, selectability sold fairy floss to excited children, and the Country Women’s Association completely sold out of roast beef roles.

All proceeds from the market stalls go straight back to the community groups that were hosting them and can be used for member activities.

Many local shops were open late into the night and attendees were encouraged to support local business.

“We’ve had such a great response around the shops,” said Coral’s City 2 Country owner Wendy Bickoff.

“Many people said it was the best night in a long time in trade and that they would love to see us do something like this throughout the year as it was wonderful to have something to do on a Friday night.”

The event was part of a broader Bowen Locals for Locals initiative where people who purchase an item from one of the 23 participating stores receive free entry into a series of prize draws which total $5000.

Each Friday there is a draw and so far, two individuals have won $1000 worth of shop local vouchers over two consecutive weeks.

The next $1000 vouchers will be drawn this evening and the final grand prize of $2000 in vouchers will be drawn on December 23.

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Santa entertained the crowds and handed out candy canes to kids at Bowen’s Christmas Street Party. Photos provided