As we saw with the summer Carnival, you can’t beat Aberaeron for community spirit, and the annual Christmas fair on Saturday 2nd December was no exception.
The large marquee next to the inner harbor was soon packed with people of all ages greeting friends and neighbours, and lots of volunteer helpers including a few well-known Elfs. The MC for the afternoon, local business owner Nest Evans, was looking splendid as Elsa from Frozen – much more flattering than last year’s Christmas Pudding outfit! The WI choir started proceedings, followed by local school children giving a great performance before going to the nearby Chapel to collect lanterns for the procession to front of the town Hall. Everyone waited excitedly for the blessing of the tree, and the Mayor, in his Chains and very snazzy festive suit, to turn on the lights. More excitement to come as the arrival of Father Christmas was announced – around the corner he appears riding high in his sled pulled by a trusty reindeer and with clouds of snow falling in his wake. A great job again by JCB John as he carried Santa aloft then gently lowered him at the entrance to his Grotto.
And what a long queue of children waiting to see him – wonderful to see they are still excited at the chance to have a chat with Father Christmas. The local Male Voice Choir provided a stirring finale to the programme of entertainment, then lots more fidgeting and moving towards the stage ready for the prize draws.
As always, the event is fully supported by local businesses with donations for the draw, many litres of mulled wine from Bill’s restaurant and hot, chunky lamb cawl from The Celtic all free for a charity donation. Highlights of the prize-giving were guess the weight of the cake and the turkey (man in turkey suit!) – a great costume there. Altogether, another entertaining community event that demonstrates the true spirit of Christmas. Well done to everyone who gave their time to make it run so smoothly.
