Family fun: Droves turn out for Christmas in the Grove

DESPITE overcast and windy conditions, about 2,000 people turned out for the fourth annual Christmas in the Grove event on December 4.

The Terrace was cordoned off and came alive as retailers and local community groups showcased their wares, while families chose from a plethora of activities and vendors.

The event, organised and run by the Ocean Grove Business Association (OGBA), is about “promoting people to shop local”, according to local retailer and OGBA member Cathy Staehr.

“It was a super successful event with lots of community support. Every year it shows retailers the community do want to shop local and support family owned businesses,” Ms Staehr said.

“Numbers were a little down from last year, but the sun came out for the event which was lovely. We had more non-retail businesses participating, like the banks, this year, running kids’ competitions and freebies.

“We had the traditional jumping castle, face painting, food tastings, the Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads did the sausage sizzle, and the Men’s Shed were selling handicrafts; they also put together the Santa chair.”

Ms Staehr said the feedback from the community was fantastic with everyone making the best of the discounts, sales and variety on offer.

“They love the atmosphere, it’s vibrant, very family friendly, the best thing about it is they get to catch up with their neighbours.

“We had live music including The Von Robertsons, buskers, Peter Paul and Marion and Christmas carols. The event was entirely run by volunteers from
the OGBA.

“We want to attract people to the main street – we want to people to remember we’re here and it’s also a chance for us to give back to the shoppers.”

Ms Staehr said the OGBA wanted to thank everyone involved for their support and said they were hoping to make the event even bigger and better next year.

“We would like to thank all the members of the OGBA, the committee, the traders who opened or supported the event.

“We would also like to thank the community organisations that were involved and most importantly all the locals for their ongoing support of our small businesses.”