THE community was out in force on Thursday night to celebrate the lighting of Port Macquarie’s Christmas tree and the Countdown to Christmas festival.
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The mascot fun run was won by The Hog’s Breath Hogster while Rotary Sunrise was awarded best float in the street parade.
Santa sat on his throne near the Christmas tree as anxious little ones waited in line to tell him their Christmas wishes.
Meanwhile Sing Australia Choir and Young Guns made music for those who wanted to stake out a prime spot on the Town Green.
After the Horton Street frivolity thousands crowded onto the shoreline where a flash mob from Wauchope and Port Macquarie Performing Arts kicked off the rest of the entertainment for the night.
Hungry hordes lined up at the refreshment tents as emcee Sean Hall kept the party moving.
Seven Dance Movements groups presented hip hop, contemporary, jazz and lyrical performances, then it was over to Hastings Valley Elite Dance Group to entertain. The dancing was followed by the always enjoyable Blokes Notes, who combine superb harmonies with irreverent humour.
A special treat came in the form of a combined group from Wauchope Youth Theatre and Bago Magic who sang four Christmas songs.
The big moment finally arrived after a few words from Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling, who led the crowd in a countdown before he and Santa lit up the town tree.
That was the cue for the Pycon Homes Fireworks Spectacular to burst across the sky delighting young and old.
It did not disappoint as volley after volley soared skyward showering stars, baubles and glitter lights down on the crowd.
A fitting way to mark four more weeks until the man in the red suit pays a visit and those of us who are able to enjoy time with family and friends.