AFTER much speculation, a popular and well-loved Waikerie Christmas event committee has announced the event will go ahead this year.
The Waikerie Santa’s Cave will open its doors at the end of November until Christmas Eve, with a COVID-19 marshal in attendance each day.
Waikerie Santa’s Cave committee president Lizzie Platten said while the cave will sport some changes and a new look, the members “can’t wait to see everyone”.
“The year of change and challenges has also meant that the committee has had to approach the Christmas season differently for 2020,” she said.
“With the support from local businesses we will be having have pop-up displays featured in some of the shop fronts.
“Santa’s shop will be located in the Waikerie Institute, as will our magnificent floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree and some favourite displays for everyone to enjoy.
“We can’t wait to see you all. Once you have filled your bags with lots of gifts, enjoy a walk through the wonderful Christmas Tree Trail and look at the pop-up Christmas displays around the shopping precinct and a walk along the river front.”
Santa’s Cave will open its doors from Friday, November 28, at 6pm until 8pm, and will open every day until Christmas from 10am to 4pm.
Mrs Platten said the committee met regularly throughout the year and consulted with the Loxton Waikerie council to work out COVID-19 emergency management plans.
“The global COVID-19 pandemic has touched us all in so many ways and on different levels from a personal and a business perspective,” she said.
“All our committee members have undertaken COVID marshal training, and we acknowledge the safety of our community is in the forefront.
“Santa will be watching over us from the North Pole this year, and the elves have already sent messages making sure we have Santa’s letter box in the cave for everyone to post their letters to Santa.
“The elves are packing their bags and are on the move to the Institute over the next few weeks to help our committee prepare Santa’s Shop and the pop-up displays. The elves all know about social distancing and will working with us each day and keeping a close eye on us all.”
Mrs Platten said the pop-up Christmas shop will also be open in the Waikerie Institute, and the committee is still accepting consignment items.
“The tradition of honey biscuits continues we have begun baking over the last few weekends, and so far, over 3000 are packed and ready for all to enjoy,” she said.
“The shop has so much to choose from. There will be gifts for all ages, from beautiful homemade jams and chutneys to handicrafts locally made and from afar – the shelves will be overflowing.
“The Loxton Waikerie council and Rotary Club of Waikerie again this year has been supporting us to ensure our doors can open for all to enjoy a touch of Christmas here in Waikerie.
“We look forward to seeing you in Waikerie – Destination Christmas.”
To inquire about placing or donating consignment items in the pop-up shop, contact Michelle on 0416 950 618.
The Waikerie Santa’s Cave committee is still looking for volunteers to help out in the cave; for further information, contact Marion on 0417 897 295. For all other inquires, call Lizzie 0419 817 538 or Jan on 0429 432 226.