From gifts of meat trays to angels singing – the lyrics at Wodonga’s Carols by Candlelight ranged from the daggy to the divine.
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An estimated 6000 people gathered at Willow Park for the city’s 42nd carols celebration.
Some were regulars, others first-timers including Albury’s Kain Pollard who was wearing an ugly Spider-Man jumper in spite of the 30-degree heat.
“It wasn’t my decision, it was my girlfriend’s decision,” Mr Pollard said.
Asked why she bought the jumper, Emma Lancaster said she liked the super hero before admitting she worked at a gaming shop which stocked the garments.
For Philippines native Ioni Austria the weather was not a drama, she brought a portable personal fan, which she shared with son Renzo.
“We find it very wonderful, we’re really missing home but we’re having a good time,” she said.
“It’s very entertaining, we have a concert like this (in the Philippines) but it’s not live.”
Certainly it would not have featured the 12 Days of Aussie Christmas.
St Augustine’s Primary School year 6 student Asha Hodgkin joined fellow Wodonga youngsters in reeling off some distinctive Down Under gifts.
They included “half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree”.
Interpreting that song and all the carols for the deaf were Auslan signers Susan Emerson from Melbourne and Wagga’s Adrian Priem.
“It makes it accessible to deaf people and those families can enjoy the night just like any other families,” Ms Emerson, who has signed at carols for 20 years, said of what was a first for Wodonga.
As the night reached a climax the traditional carols drew big voices including Colin Tarrant, 68, who belted out “Jerusalem, Jerusalem...” from The Holy City.
Silent Night was sung by three generations, Mabelle Strauss, her mother Niki Strauss and grandfather Bruce Lynch.
As Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was performed by Lauren Schmutter the floodlights went on, it was 9.30pm the time having been automated to coincide with the expected finishing time for the show.
Nevertheless, carols co-ordinator Lindsay Hanchett, who was on stage throughout playing trombone with the Wodonga Brass band was delighted with the evening.
“I’m extremely happy with the way it went,” he said.
“The band enjoyed it, the choirs were excellent, the singers were excellent.
“What more can you say – what a great way to lead up to Christmas.”
The sale of candles for $3 saw $3000 raised for palliative care services provided by Albury Wodonga Health.
