The heat was on for the 2017 Christmas Festival but the evening has been declared a success with plenty of fun for families and the first happy winners in the Find it in Forbes prize draws.
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Organisers said preparations for the 2017 festival started early in the morning last Thursday – all hands were on deck from the Forbes Business Chamber’s Find It In Forbes Committee and Council.
As market stall holders rolled in, trucks and utes began unloading, the day got hotter, the wind harsher and the clouds blacker.
The temperature peaked at 39.4 degrees and a storm blew in, but the weather cleared in plenty of time for families to enjoy the evening and take advantage of extended trading with local retailers.
The Business Chamber said the crowd was slightly down but those who did attend thoroughly enjoyed the performances by musicians, Forbes Town Band and Kristin’s School of Dance.
With Rankin and Templar streets closed to traffic, there was a giant sandpit in the street along with jumping castles, face-painting and informative talks by the Forbes snake man.
Those running activities including the community window mural and kids corner – bubbles, crafts and more provided by local preschools and childcare centres - all received a great response.
Ten winners of $500 in Why Leave Town Dollars were drawn from a barrel that was practically full with tickets earned by shopping locally.
Kerry Simmonds had an extra stroke of festive luck, as she was drawn for two of the night’s prizes.
The evening’s other winners were Daniel Brown (Bedgerabong), Carolyn Watt (Trundle), Wendy West, Belinda Jack, Dulcie Finn, Kim Clarke, Nicole Barber and Michael Hollstein.
If you missed out on Thursday night, the major prize draw is still to come this Saturday.
There will be five $1000 winners; one $2000 winner, one $3000 winner and one $5000 winner drawn about midday – watch out for the arrival of the cement mixer truck at the intersection of Rankin and Battye streets.
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