Cooling down with an icy cone at the Stanhope carols were Zyla Morton, 11, Marisol Morton, Lily Horton, 11, Boni Baker, 11, and Chelsea Braithwaite, 12.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Carols sung on the back of a truck and Santa getting a tow from the fireys made for a special evening at the 2024 Stanhope Christmas Carols.
There was perfect weather, perfect pitch and a fine turnout for the annual Stanhope Christmas Carols where over 200 children, parents and visitors filled Memorial Park for a night of carolling.
Stanhope's strong community spirit shone through as the local pool committee organised a variety of off-stage entertainment.
Children delighted in face painting and a jumping castle, while parents enjoyed refreshing snow cones in the shade on the warm Friday afternoon.
On stage, the Shine Church choir kept busy singing traditional Christmas tunes supported by the Rushworth and District Concert Band before the Stanhope Kindergarten and primary school kids had their own set each.
The night wrapped up in true country style, with Santa trading his sleigh for Stanhope CFA’s fire truck, throwing sweets to a crowd of children who gathered on the edge of Birdwood Ave to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit.
Free Press journalist Jemma Jones was in Stanhope to catch all of the festive action.
Picnicing at the carols were Ollie Gillie, 6, Zoe Gillie, 9 months with father Jacob Gillie.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Stanhope Development Committee members Marj Gibbs, Glenda Cowie, Christine Dicketts and Carol Gardiner were manning the information desk at the Stanhope carols.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Arlo Annett, 5, Piper Annett, 7, and Neve Annett, 7 show off their blue tounges from the icy cone.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Nola Halls enjoyed their carols with her four-legged, pawed friend Diesel.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Stanhope Primary School student Alexis Higginbottom, 6, with grandmother Leeanne Baker, before her big performance at the carols.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Elisha Sawyer and Sue Sheers enjoying some fine weather and even finer singing.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The Stanhope Kindergarten kids put on a show of a lifetime, singing Jingle Bells in front of family and friends at the carols.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Katie Morrison, Joey Jervis, 6, and Aileen Morrison laid out a picnic rug to relax and enjoy a nice evening at the carols.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The Stanhope Primary School kids passionately sung a carols set of Felix Navidad, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Santa Wear Your Shorts!
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Piper Maloney, 4, getting her face painted by Kim Patten, with Dean Maloney, 8, grandmother Debbie Hoye and mother Sarah Maloney.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Under the shade at the back of the crowd were Marg Dove and Bob and Floss Holschier with Stanhope policeman Frank Scopelliti making sure everyone is on the nice list this year.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram Salvation Army Captain Jacky Targett with husband and Rushworth and District Band member Lynton Targett.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Staying cool in the shade were siblings Maia and Archie Chillingsworth, 11 and 9, with Amber Lunney holding Poppy Patten, 2.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kids gathered at the edge of Birdwood Ave in anticipation for Santa’s arrival.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Santa said hi to all the girls and boys waiting out on Birdwood Ave before tossing out sweets to the children.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Santa waved goodbye to the children of Stanhope, promising he would return once again on the 24th.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The choir and band from Stanhope Shine Church performed carols throughout the night.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Rushworth and District Concert Band assisted singers in their performances, with the flurried sound of brass and woodwind instruments filling the park. The Rushworth based band was also assisted by a few Echuca band members who helped fill seats on the night.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Over 200 Stanhope residents and visitors filled Memorial Park for an evening of singing, dancing and laughter.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
