The Penola Christmas Street Party brought plenty of Christmas cheer to Penola War Memorial Park.

The annual event is a community favourite and is driven by the Riddoch Business and Community Association.

Riddoch Business and Community Association president Nicole Reschke said the 2022 street party was the biggest she had seen for “a very long time” and believed there was close to 400 people in attendance.

“The committee was absolutely blown away with the response of families that we had turn out on the night,” Ms Reschke said.

“It was such a great atmosphere and everybody was having such a lovely time, the kids really enjoyed all the activities that we had and just after the last couple of years we were just so overwhelmed with the response, it was so nice to see.

“I think the weather was so nice, it was just that perfect mix of being not too hot, not too cold, so everyone took the opportunity to get out and about.”

The celebrations spilled onto the street in front of the park which was closed off by Wattle Range Council to ensure the safety of all attendees.

There were activities galore including a jumping castle, water guns, a visit from Santa on the Penola CFS truck, a Show and Shine and horse and cart rides along with food and beverage options.

“It is just such an easy night for families, there is so much for the kids to do, most of it is all included, so it is not an expensive night out for families leading up to Christmas,” Ms Reschke said.

“It is a night that everyone can say ‘yes’ to – they can come along and enjoy the fun and catch up with one another.”

Ms Reschke said the Christmas Street Party was a great night where the community could come together and connect before Christmas.

“Lots of people travel for Christmas, heading off to different parts to see their families, so it is just one of those things that you can know is in the calendar, that you can go and catch up with people before everybody heads off for their Christmas family activities,” she said.

“People love that it is a really safe event they can bring the kids along to and the road is closed, they know the kids are well-entertained with all the activities and they can just stop for a minute as well and have a bit of a relax themselves.”

The Stuffed Santa Community Exhibition winner and runner-up was also announced during the event.

Young Lucas Preston-Hill claimed the top spot with his Santa in a boat exhibition and his name will be engraved on the Stuffed Santa plaque.

“He was just so thrilled and his whole family, they were just completed overwhelmed by winning the award, so it was so exciting to see, it was really heart-warming,” Ms Reschke said.

Just nine votes behind Lucas were runners-up the Wooding family with their Christmas tree exhibition.

“They were really excited to be runner up,” Ms Reschke said.

This year marked the last year of the Stuffed Santa Community Exhibition and something new will be launched in its place next year.

Ms Reschke thanked the committee for all its efforts, stating the event could not happen without them, the Merrett family and Jeff Pahl for his great work with the DJing and music.

“Thanks to them and to all the other exhibitors that came along and helped make it a great night,” she said.