Last Sunday Christmas in Pyrmont defied the forecast and relished dry and cool weather.  A great deal of careful planning and hard work throughout the year paid off handsomely.  Thanks to dozens of eager volunteers, stalls bumped in smoothly; tables and chairs (and portaloos) were swiftly in place and traffic flowed easily.  A wide range of stallholders were then able to offer succulent food, delicious drinks, elegant and funky clothes, and irresistible toys and other Christmas gifts.
A generous contractor agreed not to dig up John Street Square until after the fair, so children and their parents enjoyed the slippery slide, bike-and-blending with Ultimo Public School parents, free food from Coles, alarming face-painting and craft skills with Barnardos volunteers.  The audience in the main square enjoyed non-stop entertainment by local musicians, from noon until 5.
Those who escaped the 9D film show ran to the Community Centre where Santa jollied hosts of kids in the highly decorated pop-up grotto.  There they also delighted in the Snowdome, before tackling Bendigo Bank sausages and letting off steam in the jumping castle and the play area.  About seven thousand people enjoyed our third Christmas in Pyrmont; most explored the Community Centre as well as outdoor activities, and all came away with strong impressions of Pyrmont as a lively and friendly suburb.