Community & Business
13 December, 2024
Santa Claus comes to town
The 2024 Oakey Santa Fair was a major hit with over 1700 people passing through the gates to enjoy the rides, food and entertainment at the Oakey Rugby League Grounds.
David Cooper, Oakey Chamber of Commerce President, thanked all the volunteers and supporters for pulling off what had been a major undertaking.
“Everyone is calling it a success,” he said.
“All stallholders said they sold more food and drink than in previous years.
“A big thank you to the whole community for coming out.”
Mr Cooper said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of major sponsor New Acland Coal (NAC), and the dedicated support of its community team which includes Linda Sexton, Rebecca Meacham and Melanie Williamson.
NAC provided financial support, labour and organisational support for the event.
The attendance figure of 1700, reported by the Lions Club of Oakey who were supervising the gates, is one the largest for a Santa Fair event in Oakey since the COVID pandemic.
Oakey Bears Senior Rugby League was the host for the occasion.
Jason Shannon, Club President, thanked the volunteers who had come out to support the event.
“A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help out at Santa Fair,” Mr Shannon said.
“Your hard work and dedication made it possible for us to participate in this fantastic event and raise much needed funds for our club.”
Community carollers from the Oakey Voices choir, conducted by Daphne Webster OAM, set the mood at the gate by singing a set of sacred and secular Christmas carols.
Dancers of all kinds strutted their stuff in the twilight, with Mura Biri Gururu and Oakey Academy of Dance taking centre stage.
The Rugby League Grounds were abuzz with activity, with people grabbing a bite to eat and drink from one of the food trucks and stalls.
Children loved the many rides, with the massive slide, laser tag and a jumping castle the major attractions
Santa, with his big, bushy beard came out after sundown with his elves and supporters.
Volunteer and Organiser Carmel Cooper, Oakey Chamber of Commerce Secretary said in the coming weeks, the Chamber would be asking for feedback from the community on what worked, what didn’t, and what the organising committee can do better for next year.
