Thousands support local business in the Grove

CHRISTMAS in the Grove has been hailed a wonderful success, with up to 2,500 people attending.

Ocean Grove Business Association president Ty Simons said the weather was perfect and both adults and kids had activities to keep them happy throughout the evening.

“The aim of the night is to bring the local community together and remind people that it is small businesses that make Ocean Grove unique and to encourage people to spend some of their Christmas money in a shop locally.

“The summer tourists are great for business but it is the locals that pay the rent throughout the year.”

Mr Simons said there was a bouncing castle, a photo booth, face painting, cupcakes, an animal farm, Christmas activities and Santa was on hand to take present requests from good little boys and girls and photographs, courtesy of Ocean Grove Camera & Photo.

“For the adults there were plenty of shopping bargains and a bar set up by Baie Wines and Ocean Grove Cellars for people to try some delicious local wines.

“The cafés and restaurants all did a roaring trade as locals enjoyed the beautiful weather with a platter or two washed down with an ice-cold beer or local wine.”

He said the entire event was organised by The Ocean Grove Business Association, with tireless efforts by Shelley Keast (Beachside Blooms) and Cathy Staehr (newsXpress), who pulled together an amazing evening.

“This was the fourth time we have had the event and plan to do it bigger and better next year.

“We will be looking for some help from COGG next year to ensure the event becomes an annual must-attend event on The Bellarine.”