The skies put on quite a show leading up to the kick off of Gloucester's Community Christmas Carnival.
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Heavy rain, thunder and lightning didn’t dampened the spirits of organisers, stall holders, business owners or the hundreds of people who flooded into Church Street for the return of the famous Christmas carnival.
It poured rain an hour before the carnival was due to start, but stopped just in time and stall holders rushed to get set up as the community began to fill the street.
Organisers were very happy with the support the community showed for the event held on Friday, December 8.
“It was amazing,” Donna-Maree Watt said.
“I think we had in the backs of our heads that we'd be lucky if we got a few people, but there were hundreds of people and the feedback has been brilliant,” she said.
A wide variety of stalls were set up around the street offering a range of products and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Businesses stayed open, offering pre-Christmas sales for people to take advantage.
There were food stalls both on the street and in the cafes.
Children enjoyed face painting, nerf target practice and ring toss, while some sat and cuddle cute animals.
The dunk and dip was a huge hit, with several people offering to brave the cold water, including former Gloucester Shire councillor, James Hooke, who ended up completely soaked.
“It was for a good cause," he laughed.
The funds raised from the dunk and dip went toward to newly re-formed Gloucester Scouts.
Crowds formed around the numerous performers, including musicians from Gloucester High School and local dancers from Taree Great Lakes BJP Physical Culture.
The return of the Apex Chocolate Wheel was definitely a hit with many people buying tickets for a chance to win.
Don’t get confused by the name of the wheel, as the crowd were in it for a chance to win a ham.
The goal of the carnival was to encourage community spirit and bring the community together; and for that, overall the event was a huge success. So save the date for next year, on Friday, December 7, 2018.
More photos on page 12