Queanbeyan 'elves' rewarded for making Christmas in July a winter fixture

Yuletide cheer was celebrated over the weekend with the annual Christmas in July market event held at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds.

Going strong now for 10 years, this successful community and family event has continued to grow, bringing local community members and vendors to a fun festive celebration during a time of year that is often drab and cold.

Wamboin winery Contentious Character hosted the “Very Important Elf night’ on Saturday to thank the VIP vendors and community stakeholders for their continued support of this great local event.

Guests on Santa’s nice list were treated to a snow installation from Christmas Emporium, scrumptious food from the Royal Hotel and wine to match from Contentious Character.

“The idea behind tonight was to bring all the stall holders and main stakeholders in the Queanbeyan council area to celebrate the markets that have now been going for a decade,’’ said Contentious Character owner Tony Mansfield.

QPRC Events Team Leader Laura Shelley said the night was about recognising our vendors and bringing together people who supported our events: the ‘doers’ in the community.

“Their continued support help lift the region in terms of events we offer, and help boost our economy and tourism opportunities,” she said.

‘This cold weather isn’t going away any time soon, so we say let’s embrace it and celebrate the Christmas cheer twice a year. Our markets bring together the finest local producers and innovators for the public to enjoy.”

RiotACT photographer Daniella Jukic was there to capture the ‘very important elves’ on the night.