In the calm interval between red dust storms and record-breaking rain storms, Christmas in Pyrmont enjoyed perfect weather on 25 November for the annual street fair, Santa’s visit and lots of live music.  Thanks to sponsors, fabulous raffle prizes and a wide range of stalls, the organisers will distribute $91,200 – $30,000 each to Barnardos, Ultimo Public School, and Harris Uniting Community Centre and MustardSeed Homelessness Program and 3 encouragement awards of $400 each to students at Ultimo Public School. Attendance was greater than ever, almost to the point of congestion: stall holders and musicians liked the cool afternoon format.  
Surveys recorded that more than 75% of those who came, preferred the new time (3pm to 8pm) to the old; and over 90% of the people bought one or more items from the 36 stalls offering food, clothing and Christmas specialities.  The 15 lucky winners of the raffle have been informed.  The Lord Mayor won two prizes but was declared ineligible to receive them!  Details are on the Christmas in Pyrmont website: christmasinpyrmont.org.au. As usual, we learned lessons from the experience, and next year’s celebrations will be even bigger and better – Providence permitting!