Naughty Santa from the South Pole at the Very Important Elf Night – Christmas in July event.
Yuletide cheer was celebrated over the weekend with the annual Christmas in July market event held at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds.
Going strong now for 10 years, this successful community and family event has continued to grow, bringing local community members and vendors to a fun festive celebration during a time of year that is often drab and cold.
Wamboin winery Contentious Character hosted the “Very Important Elf night’ on Saturday to thank the VIP vendors and community stakeholders for their continued support of this great local event.
Guests on Santa’s nice list were treated to a snow installation from Christmas Emporium, scrumptious food from the Royal Hotel and wine to match from Contentious Character.
“The idea behind tonight was to bring all the stall holders and main stakeholders in the Queanbeyan council area to celebrate the markets that have now been going for a decade,’’ said Contentious Character owner Tony Mansfield.
QPRC Events Team Leader Laura Shelley said the night was about recognising our vendors and bringing together people who supported our events: the ‘doers’ in the community.
“Their continued support help lift the region in terms of events we offer, and help boost our economy and tourism opportunities,” she said.
‘This cold weather isn’t going away any time soon, so we say let’s embrace it and celebrate the Christmas cheer twice a year. Our markets bring together the finest local producers and innovators for the public to enjoy.”
RiotACT photographer Daniella Jukic was there to capture the ‘very important elves’ on the night.
Cheryl Rule, Sara Wightman, Laura Shelley, Mike Welch, and Queanbeyan and Palerang Mayor Tim Overall officially launch the markets with a ceremonial bon bon.
Let the festivities begin!
Marta Kavas and Jenny Kavas-Wilding.
Belinda Pasfield, Eileen Daaniel, and Margaret Whightman.
Nicole Overall, Maggie Hickey, Rosanna Burston and Elaine Lollback.
Mayor Tim Overall, Roy Edward and Michele Biscotti.
Sharon Isherwood and Carolyn Hawker-Grime.
Ross Appleton and Tony Mansfield.
Cheryl Rule, Sara Wightman, Laura Shelley, Mike Welch, and Mayor Tim Overall.
Cassandra McDonald, Matt Lomas, Naomi Chen, and Anthony McDonald.
Felicity Jackson, Tony Mansfield and Denell Honey.
Cassandra Philpo and Peggy.
Stacey Carpenter and Steve Bushby.
Jemimah Ashleigh and Naughty Santa from the South Pole.
