Penola was buzzing during the annual late-night Christmas shopping event last week, with people flocking to the town to enjoy a great night out.

Riddoch Business and Community Association Secretary Nicole Reschke said it was great to see the township so busy.

“Many people took the opportunity to come for a drive to do some Christmas shopping while wining and dining,” she said.

“After the effects of COVID and the bypass, it was exciting to see the busy street.”

Ms Reschke said the town was a hive of activity, with people coming from Mount Gambier, Millicent, Naracoorte and Casterton.

“It was so good to see so many people come to Penola from surrounding towns,” she said.

“The support we got from the whole region was so encouraging and really boosted everybody’s spirits.”

Ms Reschke said it was great to see Victorians in Penola again. “We were so thrilled to welcome Victorians back over the border into our town,” she said.

Ms Reschke said local traders were pleased with how the night went and the event received great feedback from the community.

“It was fantastic to see so many people supporting and investing locally and the energy and livelihood throughout the town was the highlight of the night,” she said. “There was a lot of Christmas cheer.”

The Christmas tree in the town square was lit up, filling the town with Christmas spirit. It will be up for all to see for the remainder of December.

Ms Reschke told The SE Voice she cannot wait until next year’s event to make their beautiful town a great destination to shop, wine and dine in one easy and relaxed evening once again.