The carnival and concert was held in Mountford Park on Sunday, signalling the official start of the festive season in Leeton. 

A big crowd attended to sample all of the festivity that was in the air. 

Kicking the afternoon off was the popular Rotary Club of Leeton hams carnival, where the opportunity to win Christmas lunch was up-for-grabs. 

Stalls of all varieties were set up throughout the park to serve up cheap eats for the whole family to enjoy, with rides on the Lions train and merry-go-round also proving popular. 

The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the big man himself when Santa Claus arrived like a rockstar on the back of a motorcycle. 

His arrival meant it was time to sit down and enjoy the show as performers of all ages took to the stage to sing, dance and entertain the crowd. 

Light Up Leeton chairman Carl King was pleased residents kept coming back each year. 

“Leeton really gets behind these community events … we’re the right size town where everyone knows each other and they can get together and enjoy these events,” he said. 

“It’s great to see everyone out and enjoying themselves. It was another great event and a good way to start the festive season.”

Mr King felt residents continued to support the event due to what was at the core of its existence. 

“It’s a formula that works … why change what isn’t broken,” he said. 

“I think people enjoy the night out, but they also know when they are buying some food, a can of drink or having a go at the hams raffle that all of this money is staying in the community. 

“Our schools, charities, sporting groups … everyone who has a stall. They keep what they make and it goes make into our community.”

As night drew near and the community concert finished to rounds of applause, it was time to hop on the bus or in a car and drive around town in a huge convoy to view all of the Christmas light adorning homes throughout the community. 

It’s not too late to string up some lights or two, with the Light Up Leeton festival running right throughout December. 

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