Margaret River Christmas festival on December 16 thanks to Chamber of Commerce, Augusta-Margaret River Shire

A community celebration of Christmas will be held early evening next Friday in Margaret River’s festival precinct. While the main street won’t be closed, the December 16 Love Local Christmas celebration co-ordinated by the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce, Radio Margaret River and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will include Santa’s fire truck doing a lap before showing off his parking skills in the pedestrian mall. Musicians, children’s activities such as face-painting and bubble play, and food and drink vendors will round out the event planned for a 4pm start and finishing bout 8.30pm. Bands Chief Monkey and Beeva Feeva will be on stage from 5pm. Chamber executive officer Annie McFie said the business group wanted to enliven the town centre with a family-friendly event. “After another challenging year in small business, we want to encourage locals and the community to support and celebrate our diverse and unique local businesses,” Ms McFie said. “The theme ‘Love Local’ is not just about shopping locally, but coming together to connect and appreciate the wonderful place we live.” Shire president Paula Cristoffanini told the Times the celebration would give residents a chance to celebrate a sense of pride in the community. “It also energises the Margaret River town centre for the community, and for economic benefit,” she said. “We are proud to support this event at the Margaret River festival precinct. We can’t wait to see you there.” Santa’s lap of honour will start from 4pm for the sake of younger children, who’ll then have the chance to catch up with the chap himself in the precinct. Coinciding with the event was a best-dressed window competition for local businesses, sponsored by the Margaret River Lions Club. Shoppers can look out for themed Love Local Christmas collection boxes at participating businesses this week, going into the draw for one of five $100 local gift cards.