Above left: Santa enlists the help of Tamara and Emily Bordett during his rounds of the Pakenham CBDPaul Dunlop
SANTA and his helpers were in Pakenham on Saturday to give residents an early dose of festive spirit.
A fourday sale also helped shoppers find that special gift.
Supported by the Pakenham Business Group, shoppers were treated to entertainment including appearances by Santa and Gazette mascot Wally Wombat.
Shoppers had the chance to win a holiday and enjoy a sausage sizzle, vintage car display, live music and Christmas carols.
The Cardinia Civic Band toured the town singing and playing Christmas music.
The festive celebration was well received by shoppers and, with further support from local businesses and community groups, may become an annual event.
Rosa Santo of Mama Rosa’s Pizzeria said sweets from Safeway and Coles were distributed by Santa, who travelled atop a fire truck. She said the Merlot Group donated funding for extra lollies.
Arthur and Bonnie Bartlett’s vintage Mill Valley Ranch truck was another crowd pleaser, she said. “People loved it, especially the kids,” she said.
