The Yass Christmas Parade and late-night shopping kicked off the holiday season last week with some classic country town festivities.

Market stalls lined the main street on both sides providing ample options for Christmas gift shopping from handmade candles, hampers, handcrafted ornaments from the Yass Men’s Shed, collectible action figures, macrame creations, plants, olive oil, jewellery and clothes.

Although the parade is now done and dusted the late-night markets are set to open again tomorrow (Thursday, December 23) so be sure to drop by to peruse the wares.

Several community groups and emergency services walked or drove in the parade such as Binalong Rescue, the local brigade and RFS. It provided the rare opportunity to hear several different types of sirens from ambulances, police to the firies.

Other groups involved on the night were Yass Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, SPIN (Supporting People In Need) Foundation, Yass Can Assist and the Antique Machinery Club.

Radio station 2CA’s very own Chris Beckhouse emceed the event, providing some colourful comedic commentary as the parade moved down the street.

Christmas Parade volunteers – Yvonne O’Mara (back), Lynette Safranek (front), Oliver Hughes (back), Scarlett Hughes (front), Barry O’Mara, Lloyd Davidson, Kimberly Hughes, and Angues Chan

Besides Council, the working group that made the event possible was also made up of Yass Business Mums, SPIN Foundation, Rotary, Lions Club, and the Yass Valley Business Chamber.

The SPIN Foundation and the Lions Club handed out lollies as they headed down the street with one well-known, energetic volunteer lion throwing some to the crowds.

Yass Rotary Club had two barbecues, one on either side of the street, to ease crowd congestion but despite being well prepared on the day Club President Mick Newling still had to run out for more sausages and bread.

Can Assist were also swamped at their stall providing ice creams and fairy floss to the masses and the Lions Club’s famous Christmas ham raffle and Spinning Prize Wheel sold out in a snap with several lucky winners.

To experience more of the town’s Christmas spirit head over to the Yass Showground Roundhouse to see the SPIN Foundation’s wonderful Christmas light display open from 6pm to 9:30pm till Christmas Eve.

By Brianna O’Rourke