COVID-19 restrictions have claimed another Riverland Christmas event, with Loxton’s popular Light Up Day event cancelled.
The Loxton Chamber of Commerce decided to cancel the event, originally scheduled for November 28 which marks the beginning of the Loxton Christmas Lights Festival at a meeting last week, based on advice from various authorities.
Chamber president Deb Petch said having to cancel Light Up Day was “disappointing” for the council.
“It was obviously disappointing, but it would be impossible to hold an event of this magnitude safely at this time,” she said.
“We’re going to focus on what we can do now to ensure the Christmas spirit stays alive in Loxton and that includes supporting the Loxton Christmas Lights Festival Committee.”
The Loxton Christmas Lights Festival is still set to go ahead November 28 to December 31, with the committee confident the festival will be “bigger and better than ever because it is one of the few COVID safe events that can still be held”.
Loxton Christmas Lights Festival Committee president Peter Mangelsdorf said with more people spending time at home there was a “greater opportunity for them to decorate and light up their homes”.
“We are expecting the Festival will be even more popular this year as people can drive safely around town to enjoy the lights and social distance if and when they walk around key attractions like Santa’s Walk and Christmas Wonderland,” he said.
“People are desperate to connect with others and do something as a community, and the Christmas Lights Festival is the ideal opportunity to do so while also lifting local spirits.”
Ms Petch said the Loxton Chamber of Commerce would put all of their efforts into encouraging people to shop locally this Christmas by having extended trading on Sundays in December from 10am to 2pm.
“It’s more important than ever to look local first when choosing your Christmas presents this year,” she said.
“Supporting our local businesses is the gift that keeps on giving.
“I’m sure people will make the most of what opportunities there are to get into the Christmas spirit this year, and we look forward to planning an extra special celebration in 2021 for our 30th anniversary.”