- Latest News
BLUE SKIES AHEAD: Santa waves to the crowd at last year's GFG Alliance Whyalla Christmas Pageant.
It’s going to be a super sunny Sunday on December 9 for the re-scheduled GFG Alliance Whyalla Christmas Pageant and After Pageant Party.
The tough decision to postpone the pageant, fair and associated events was made last Saturday (November 24) by the Whyalla Apex Club organisers and other stakeholders due to the persistent rain that made it too unsafe and uncomfortable for everyone involved.
The weather bureau is now tipping a sunny Sunday for December 9 with an estimated temperature of 30-degrees to make the pageant, fair, toy run and street party a bright, warm and enjoyable day.
“It is also a chance for those that couldn’t make last Saturday to consider putting a float in the pageant or stall at the fair” - Damien Trenwith.
Damien Trenwith, from the Whyalla Apex Club, said the call to postpone the event last Saturday was a heartbreaking one but the ultimately the right decision and the club was now looking forward to a big day on Sunday, December 9. The pageant and after pageant fair is run in conjunction with the City of Whyalla and major sponsors GFG Alliance.
“We held off as long as we could last Saturday but in the end it just was the best decision in everyone’s interest to postpone both the pageant and the fair,” Damien said.
“It was cold, if it kept raining it would have ruined a lot of floats, there were safety and logistical issues with water on the pageant route and soggy conditions at Ada Ryan Gardens for the fair.
“It just wouldn’t have been as much fun and a lot of people would have stayed away because of the conditions.”
While the change of date won’t suit everyone, Damien said the Sunday date may now actually suit others and he was confident most floats and market stall-holders would be available. Ada Ryan Gardens is booked for a private function on Saturday, December 8.
“It is also a chance for those that couldn’t make last Saturday to consider putting a float in the pageant or stall at the fair,” Damien said.
“We’ll be ringing everyone that nominated for last Saturday to help them re-book for Sunday, December 9 and new applications are more than welcome.”
The Whyalla Toy Run and the City Plaza After Pageant Street Entertainment party were also postponed last weekend and have rescheduled for the December 9.
To enter a float for the pageant or a stall for the fair, contact Alberto Salatino at Council on alberto.salatino@whyalla.sa.gov.au or by calling 8640 3444. For more information contact Whyalla Apex Club c/o damientrenwithdm@bigpond.com or by calling Damien Trenwith on 0412 370 780.
PAGEANT AND AFTER PAGEANT FAIR PROGRAM - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
4pm: Pageant entries check in at corner of Wood Terrace and Forsyth Street
4.30pm: Toy Run starts at Whyalla Public Library.
5pm: Pageant progresses along route to Ada Ryan Gardens.
6pm: After Pageant Fair kicks off with Santa, entertainment, activities, stalls, food and refreshments.
8.45pm: Fireworks off the breakwater.