Children threw fabric bean bags into cut-out holes on angled boards and kicked footys under the shade of towering trees, while others lined excitedly for the official face painter of the day to transform youthful skin into an artistic canvas.
Some danced under the spotlight of the beaming hot sun as the John Gibson Trio performed on the temporary stage. Market stalls lined the footpath between The Wedge and The Wellington Centre; myriad items were on display, perfect for a last-minute Christmas present. This was Christmas at the Port.
The Port of Sale was bustling on Christmas Eve as hundreds of guests took part in the council festivities. Red-cheeked children ran enthusiastically across neatly trimmed grass, relishing in the manifold games and activities on offer; limbo, cornhole, connect four, naughts and crosses. Others stood patiently under the “Middle of Everywhere” tent shade waiting for their turn to create festive pins and to paint ceramic Santa Clauses in vibrant colours.
Well-mannered dogs walked on leads; Newfoundland Mabel even wore her Christmas attire to mark the special occasion, her red and white Santa hat sitting perfectly askew on top of her head.
Photos: Zoe Askew
Local makers erected stalls under the welcomed shade of cloth tents, dressing tables and shelves with an array of locally made treasures; clothes, cement pots, jewellery, art, toys, photographs, book, knick-knacks and more.
Food and drink trucks sold twister potatoes, coffees, soft drinks and shakes, which many a guest enjoyed, sitting on picnic blankets under the sun or hidden beneath the shade.
After a bit of tweaking here and there, sound techs ridding speakers of their screeching and finally getting the system right, sounds from the John Gibson Trio carried in the sporadic breeze. Guests kicked off their shoes, toes tickled by lush green grass, as they danced together, the travelling music accompanied by joyful laughs. Young Emily Gnoch also took the stage for a beautiful performance on the warm summer’s day.
There was ‘drag queen’ story time, encapsulating children of all ages before a special visit from Santa to the bustling Port of Sale.
As the clock struck 6pm, Christmas at the Port was over; guests, musicians and stallholders dispersed from the Borun and Tuk Walk, between The Wedge and Wellington Centre, off to their next Christmas Eve festivity, where ever that may be, home to watch Carols by Candlelight on broadcast TV? Perhaps a family dinner before driving the streets of the Wellington Shire aimed to find the best Christmas lights in town.
Whilst each and every person celebrated the 2022 festive season in their own special way, the spirit of Christmas was undeniable at the Port of Sale.
