This year’s street party was the biggest party so far, with the streets packed with locals and even visitors from as far as Canada and South Africa.

The festivities began with the opening of the party by Mayor Keith Sullivan, and from there the main street bounded into Christmas celebrations.

There was carolling led by Nancy Dennis and Carmel Hogan, as well as tunes from live band Redruth.

Face painting, fairy floss, a huge sausage sizzle, a very popular lucky dip and an even more popular jumping castle were big features of the party, as was a visit by the Jesus – All About Life racing ute. The ute carried the Oberon Christmas Tree, which had gifts donated by locals beneath it.

These gifts were given to St Vincent de Paul for local families in need.

There were also many local stalls, such as stalls to collect donations for Operation Christmas Child, which gives gifts to children in third world countries.

The Year 6 students from Oberon Public School put on a wonderful Christmas pageant, which was so popular that visitors from Canada even requested a copy of the script to take home.

Winners of the Country Energy Photographic Competition were announced, as were the winners of the Poetry Competition, judged by Brian Beesley from Black Springs.

The Kindergarten winner was Brendan and second was Ben Maguire; the Year 1 and 2 winner was Brooke Webb and second was Ryan Sargent; the Year 3 and 4 winner was Simone Sargent and second was William Thompson. The Year 5 and 6 winner was Ivy Moore and second was William Wilson, and high school winner was Nadine Roach.

There were highly commended awards given to Alison Christie-Johnson and Cody Gearon. The adult winner was Robyn Wiseman.

Pastor Andrew Godden said there were two highlights for him, one being the huge crowds of children enjoying the festivities. His other highlight was a moment during the prize giving when a tiny little boy rushed out of the crowd to claim a prize, a huge marshmallow stick, and then tore back to his parents to huge cheers from the crowd.

Plans for next year's party are already underway, which may include having the event on a Saturday, having a multi-cultural presentation during the event, and possibly combining the party with the farmers markets or Christmas Carols.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting on February 7 at the St Barnabas Hall, and all are welcome to come and share their ideas for the 2010 Street Party.