Gallery | Stanhope kids in luck, Santa’s in a fire truck

By Jemma Jones

Dec 17, 2024

Cooling down with an icy cone at the Stanhope carols were Zyla Morton, 11, Marisol Morton, Lily Horton, 11, Boni Baker, 11, and Chelsea Braithwaite, 12. Photo by Jemma Jones

Carols sung on the back of a truck and Santa getting a tow from the fireys made for a special evening at the 2024 Stanhope Christmas Carols.

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There was perfect weather, perfect pitch and a fine turnout for the annual Stanhope Christmas Carols where over 200 children, parents and visitors filled Memorial Park for a night of carolling.

Stanhope's strong community spirit shone through as the local pool committee organised a variety of off-stage entertainment.

Children delighted in face painting and a jumping castle, while parents enjoyed refreshing snow cones in the shade on the warm Friday afternoon.

On stage, the Shine Church choir kept busy singing traditional Christmas tunes supported by the Rushworth and District Concert Band before the Stanhope Kindergarten and primary school kids had their own set each.

The night wrapped up in true country style, with Santa trading his sleigh for Stanhope CFA’s fire truck, throwing sweets to a crowd of children who gathered on the edge of Birdwood Ave to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit.

Free Press journalist Jemma Jones was in Stanhope to catch all of the festive action.