Entertainment
12 December, 2025
Shire’s true Christmas spirit
THE new-style Christmas extravaganza at the Mossman show grounds last Friday 5 December certainly helped kick off the festive season in Douglas Shire.
Both organisers and the community believed that the afternoon and evening were a great success.
I had the fun job of MC for the evening’s entertainment, which highlighted the amazing musical talent that exists in the Shire, both with the youngsters and more seasoned performers.
Credit must go out to the teachers who are responsible for nurturing these local musicians, from singers to instrumentalists.
Fortunately, the weather turned out fine for the afternoon and evening, with the early 3pm start catering for all ages and the evening finishing off with the grand fireworks display.
This year’s event was based on the success of last year’s Mossman Youth Centre Christmas extravaganza at George Davis Park and on the popularity of the Douglas Shire Council’s Christmas street parties from previous years.
Mossman’s youth development coordinator Brody Andrews said council and Mossman Youth Centre, part of Mossman Support Services, wanted to offer a bigger, family-focused event that felt welcoming and distinctly local, celebrating community spirit, homegrown talent and local businesses.
“Mossman Support Services has long been involved in supporting the Douglas Shire Council’s community Christmas street party, so working together on a larger celebration was a natural step,” Mr Andrews said.
“From families singing carols, to kids cheering Santa’s helicopter arrival and the smiles during the fireworks, it was pure Douglas Shire magic.
“Thank you to our amazing event MCs, Sara Harris, Peter Capp and Gazza and to our major partner The Tin Shed, along with all our sponsors, performers and supporters. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
The free event provided a range of activities and entertainment, amusements, jumping castles, live music, Christmas carols, Santa photos, market stalls and food vendors, all set up at the rear of the show grounds.
The main evening stage and fireworks were on the central area which provided a great space for spectators and for kids to have a run around.
One of the key attractions was always going to be the helicopter arrival of Santa, who was welcomed with much excitement from both the kids and adults.
Naturally, a large queue soon formed with youngsters keen to speak to the ‘man in red’.
One highlight for me was the church choir singing traditional Christmas carols and a stunning rendition of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the Christmas extravaganza was a fantastic way to start the festive season.
“It was great to see so many people come together and enjoy a night of community spirit,” she said.
“Santa received a rock star welcome from the kids following his arrival by Nautilus helicopter, the music acts were a wonderful way to showcase the talent we have in our community and there was plenty on offer for families to enjoy, including the Christmas stalls and food vans.
“A big thank you to the whole team from Mossman youth services, Jenny Guyatt and all the local schools, the Tin Shed and all the generous sponsors who helped make this event possible.”
From the elf’s point of view, I thought the day was fantastic, much of which was made possible with the efforts of wonderful volunteers and local organisations.
I’m now off to give my elf outfit a rinse and an iron, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
