VILLAGE PUMPP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The
@TheVillagePumpSamford
“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 10 DECEMBER, 2021 P: 0477 663 696
E: editor@villagepump.org.au NEXT DEADLINE THURSDAY 13/01/2022
A MAGICAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The SDPPA was thrilled to host this year’s Christmas on Main Street – Magical Garden, an event many months in the making, bringing together local businesses, musicians, community groups and markets, all wrapped up in Christmas lights magic. The official opening in the RSL grounds was a mesmerising start, featuring Aunty Delmae Barton, recognised as Australia’s Dreamtime Opera Diva, and her son William, sharing their unique Acknowledgement to Country with us. William is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist and is widely recognised as one of Australia’s, if not the world’s, leading Didgeridoo players and composers. As the sun set, Main Street came to life and there was so much to see and do it was hard to know where to start. Instead of trucks and utes in the Mooey’s carpark, we were treated to llamas, goats, chickens and rabbits, and the children flocked to see them as well as create a flower decoration and enjoy other great activities. The lights display of Samford Patisserie looked almost as good as their treats in store and across the street, Samford Valley Vet Hospital wowed us with their spectacular light display once again. The incredible diversity of local musical acts linked both sides of the street with thousands of people of all ages enjoying this special community celebration. Did you hear Shazza Bell sing modern country,
or stop by for some fish and chips and listen to indi/folk/pop singer Zoe Quinn? How about the Samford Community Singers and their traditional Christmas songs? While strolling through the local market stalls in John Scott Park, did you have a dance to the four piece acoustics of Feed Lucy or the Janie Shrapnel trio? Maybe you had a spin of the Community Bank’s chocolate wheel and gave piggy a high five before heading up to Belle Property for some fairy floss and popcorn. Master guitarist John Wissmann was entertaining the crowds there with his special guest vocalist. On the other side of the street, the amazing Wendy Murray & Triple Moon were decked out in Little Tree and Makers on
Main were sparkling as always. Grabbing a burger at the Stags stand, it was the Samford Rural Fire Brigade’s siren that heralded Santa’s entrance, with shrieks of delight and waves from the children, many who were lined up to make a snow globe with Nurture Early Education. Further down the street, Kate and Caroline bought their folk traditions to Collies & Co, John Hogan and Matt James entertained a packed crowd at Pause and who can forget the amazing 7-piece ska/reggae music of SevenofSka at Flametree Financial – with a flamethrower!! Market Burger and the SV Garden Centre were awash with colour and activity, the Snack Bar had Santa’s Mailbox, there were storytellers, a butterfly on stilts and even a giant walking Christmas Tree! This event had all we could wish for - except the rain that ended everything earlier than expected! Thank you to our local food traders and the businesses who planned their beautiful activities. Thanks to the Samford First Aid crew, Di Hodge and Adam Nicholas for their professional photographs, to our storytellers Julie, Jenni and Janelle and our community groups who appreciated this opportunity for much needed fundraising. Last but not least, a HUGE thanks to the Christmas on Main Street planning team for presenting a very special night for the community.