The Burdekin is decking its halls—and its streets—on December 18, as Ayr’s iconic Queen Street doubles as the North Pole for the Burdekin Chamber’s annual Christmas Street Party.
For the afternoon and into the evening, traffic will make way for market stalls, food trucks, and live entertainment, with performers to be announced closer to the date. Santa is also expected to make a special appearance, spreading some early Christmas cheer.
"It's all about the community spirit," said Chamber Executive Member Jenny Papale. "[The Chamber members] all just wanted something festive for our family and friends to come and enjoy. It's a great thing for our community and we're excited for it to happen."
The Burdekin Chamber, hosts of the event, is itself embracing the spirit of giving with over $30,000 in prizes. This includes a major prize of vouchers worth up to $10,000, redeemable at a range of local businesses, with second through fifth prizes also consisting of vouchers valued at $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively. An additional ten bonus draws will feature items such as a car fridge, chest freezer, rug, and jewellery. Shoppers can enter the draw by purchasing from participating local businesses in the lead-up to the event, earning more tickets as their spending increases.
The support of local businesses has been crucial in supplying prizes and helping organise the event, Papale said.
"The amount of [business] interest has far outweighed our expectations... we thought we'd get around 50 [businesses] onboard, but we've doubled that," she said.
Chamber President Seb Aguirre attributes part of this influx to Home Hill businesses coming on board, something he hopes continues as a trend between the two towns long after the Christmas spirit fades.
"Home Hill joining us is a big plus for us," he said. "It's always been segregated, but now... we just need to work as one."
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