School market to celebrate festive season

STAFF, students, and parents at Pleasant Street Primary School are getting ready to ring in the holiday season with their annual Christmas Fest by the Lake market.

Taking place at the start of next month, the market is set to see more than 100 stalls dotted about the school.

Assistant principal and head of the event’s subcommittee Jen Bahr said the event will provide a fun-filled evening for kids and families.

“We have over 150 market stalls that come along that’ll be placed at the school and also outside, selling craft items, cider, all sorts of things,” she said.

“There’ll also be amusements for the kids and things like pony rides, go karts, and there’ll be a stage where community groups will perform on the night as well as Christmas carols from our foundation students.

“We usually have thousands of people coming through so it’s brilliant for us because it’s a way to connect with the outer community and to celebrate the year as a whole.”

As part of the event, the school’s multipurpose room will be transformed into Santaland featuring Christmas-themed activities, crafts, and a visit from the big man himself.

Many of the attractions will be run by student and parent volunteers and Ms Bahr said the Christmas Fest is also the school’s major fundraiser.

“Last year for example, we had funds go towards our grounds and garden works which was much needed because the grounds were pretty neglected,” she said.

“The funds tend to go towards something the school has a high need for, a bigger project we couldn’t afford otherwise so something around the $20,000 mark.”

Wristbands can be bought at the school’s reception for $30 before the event or $35 on the night which will give attendees access to most of the attractions as well as Santa Land.

The Christmas Fest by the Lake will take place on Friday 1 December from 4pm to 8pm.