The moon has set on another two Mary Christmases.
And, as usual, the Gympie community turned out in numbers to enjoy the festive atmosphere, the great variety of street food and the opportunity to do some shopping at the forty or so traders who kept their doors open.
The weather was perfect, and I have it on the best advice (that of ‘Mr Mary Street’, Tony Goodman) that the second night (17 December)may have seen the biggest attendance in the history of the event.
I was selling my books for Little Haven and myself outside Bella Casa and close to the Ice Cream Van.
The queues for those treats (the ice-creams, I mean) were as long as I’ve seen at these events.
Not so the faces of the kids licking lovingly after their long anticipation.
It was truly a great family night out.
And, although I remained stoically at my post, I was aware of the exciting activity all along the tree-decorated street.
There were market stalls, live music, cafes, pubs and eateries open for business.
The trackless train, loaded to the Guards van with smiling adults and their happy young charges, ran on time and time again the length of the street.
Other popular attractions included brave, colourful stiltwalkers, a roving juggler, a Hoopla/LED Queen, a spectacular fire-twirling performance, a pet zoo and Aerial Dreaming Acrobatics.
And, of course, an essential at every Christmas Festival — a jovial Santa distributing joy and sweets.
The organisers and the Gympie Regional Council, who collaborate to stage these very complex events, are to be congratulated on their success.
As I packed up and headed for home, I thought of the song of my much younger years, by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, ‘Oh! What a Night’.
Best wishes for the festive season,
– Merv Welch
The Palms
