The unseasonal wet weather that sadly washed out so many Christmas celebrations throughout December also threatened the inaugural Christmas Festival at The Landings in North Turramurra that was held on Wednesday 14th December. Perhaps due to the determined good wishes and prayers of residents in the Landings community, the weather held and instead it was crowds that were pouring down the driveway at 5pm for the twilight festival.
There were so many highlights. An estimated 800 residents, students and visitors enjoyed a walk or free train ride around the village, where the gardens have flourished with the recent rains and the gorgeous homes were decorated and illuminated as entries in the Christmas lights competition.
100 dancers, vocalists and musicians from the Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School performed exceptionally well into the evening to a most appreciative audience that consisted of Landings residents, family and friends and visitors from as close as North Turramurra and as far as Cessnock.
The ‘traditional’ sausage sizzle was popular as were the more exotic Nepalese dumplings and the Turkish gozlemes, not to mention the popularity of the wine tastings, cappuccinos and ice-creams. The free champagne and mince pies meant that some went home a little heavier than they arrived.
The adorable ‘baby reindeer’ accompanied by numerous other cute and furry creatures stole many hearts of all ages but the jumping castle and climbing through Santa’s Big Red truck was left to the young ones. Whilst watching his young child on the jumping castle, a visitor was overheard as saying ‘I only live up the road but I’d never been down here, I think my parents would love to live in a community like this’.
Our thanks go to the stallholders, the local businesses of North Turramurra, Turramurra and beyond, the students, teachers and parents of the Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School and our visitors, who we look forward to welcoming to The Landings again soon.
Winners announced for The People’s Choice award in the Christmas Lights Competition
Visitors and residents were asked to vote for the ‘best’ Christmas light display and Mr Clive Smith won with his impressive display in Beaufort Close.
Those who entered the competition went into a special ‘lucky draw’ competition. The lucky entrant was Ralph Kershler of Wahroonga. Ralph along with his wife Barbara (pictured below) thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Festival and were most surprised when informed of their win. They have friends living in The Landings and they know others who are considering a move to The Landings in the future. Ralph and Barbara have won a Private Dinner party for 10 including 3 courses and wines, with thanks to the new caterers at The Landings, Pinnacle Catering.
A number of other prize draws were made possible by generous donations from the stallholders and the winners of these are;
Sue O’Shea from Menai, Jan Parsons from Cessnock, Ms C from Wahroonga, Ms C Newby from Hornsby, Bev Lowe from Turramurra, Donna Tesoriero from North Turramurra, Natasha Arancibia from Turramurra, Judy Vasey from North Turramurra, Sue McGrath from Warriewood, Colin Salmon from North Turramurra and Catriona McLennan from Roseville.
The Landings management would like to thank the following for their generous support and assistance with this event:
Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School, Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Service, Pinnacle Catering, Tom’s Cellars, Turramurra Community Bank, The Bloomin Lot, Kuringai Vetinary Hospital, Exclusive Meats and residents of The Landings.
