The best year yet.
That is how organisers of the annual Berrigan Christmas Market Night and Christmas Carols described the festivities which took over the community on Friday evening.
Beginning about 5pm, there was food, fun, laughter and stalls ready to entice the roaming guests.
The entire street was shut down for the event, and it did not disappoint.
Berrigan District Development Association president John Lane said the event boasted the most stalls to date, and local businesses offered late night trading to allow for some extra Christmas shopping.
Attendees were also graced with a visit from the big guy himself.
That’s right, after carols had been sung, Santa Claus himself decided to pay Berrigan an early visit for the festive season.
“The night was a huge success, and the crowd was fantastic and very well behaved,” Mr Lane said.
“The event drew a large crowd, and it was a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the festive season.”
The carols service was presented by Helen Dickie, and additional children’s entertainment included a jumping castle and face painting.
As is tradition, the Berrigan Red Cross Fashion Extravaganza was also held as part of the evening.
A second extravaganza event was then held on Saturday.
The 15th annual extravaganza of its kind, the Red Cross this year partnered with Men’s Shed Berrigan to present a great array of new clothing from Australian and international labels for sale over the two days.
Red Cross president Marion Dickins said the total raised from the two events was in excess of $7000.
Proceeds will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Humanitarian Support Program in Albury and CanAssist Finley - a cancer assistance charity which supports those living in Berrigan and other Southern Riverina communities.
“It all turned out very well, and we had wonderful support from local attendees and those who attended from far away,” Mrs Dickins said.
“The clothing that did not sell will be available in our Red Cross Shop when we re-open in January.”
The Red Cross Shop will close on December 20 for the Christmas break, and re-open on January 15.