Published on Monday, 23 December 2019 at 11:06:42 AM
Community members flocked from all over the Wheatbelt for Merredin’s annual Gala Night on Thursday 12th of December 2019. Gala Night is a community event held in celebration of Christmas, and is vigorously supported by local businesses.
The festivities took place on Barrack and Bates Street from 5.00pm until late into the night. The streets were lined with market stalls, while local businesses opened up their shops for late night trading. Some of the items on offer at the stalls were candles, honey, handbags, henna tattoos, beauty products, handmade craft, Tupperware, glow in the dark toys, and jewellery.
Gala Night attendees enjoyed performances throughout the evening on the stage from acoustic pop artist Sophie Jane who dazzled the crowd with her renditions of classic pop songs and the latest hits. The Shire of Merredin Acting CEO Kellie Bartley then drew the raffles before the Merredin College School Choir took to the stage, belting out Christmas Carols for all to enjoy including the iconic Aussie version of Jingle Bells. The winners of the “Find The Elves” competition were drawn after the Choir’s performance at 7.00pm, with 2 winners announced and handed their prizes for locating all 9 of the missing elves.
Barrack Street was packed with fun activities for people of all ages. The “chalk zone” was a hit with the kids (and some adults), with many stopping by to write what they wanted for Christmas and to draw a picture. Also a hit was the brand new inflatable obstacle course set up by Merredin Fire and Rescue. The petting zoo also returned this year with an array of animals including dogs, chickens, rabbits, sheep, alpacas, and more! Kids were ecstatic when Santa Claus arrived aboard a fire engine and started handing out lollies, hi-fiving locals, and posing for photos outside the Central Wheatbelt Victors Centre. Other entertainment included a Disney themed bouncy castle, face painting, train rides, and donkey and cart rides.
As the sun set over Merredin, locals were treated to a fashion show and rural dance outside of Ashpash, while Bootscooters danced the night away in front of the stage. Families gathered around the food stalls for a delicious dinner from a range of food vans such as Patty Kaye’s Food Van, the Spud Van, Dimensions Cafe, and the CRC Sausage Sizzle.
Christmas lights lit up Barrack Street, with the Christmas tree sparkling with 8000 solar lights, while the tree guards down the street were also decorated. The new chemical crate sign was also on display across from Apex Park, with many stopping for a happy snap of themselves standing next to it.
A very special thanks to the Gala Night sponsors Lotterywest and Collgar, to all of the stall holders, and to the Working Group who organised a fantastic night of fun for Merredin. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
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