Christmas on Broadway Junee sees massive crowds and good weather

With four full weeks until the big day, the weekend saw enormous crowds turn out for the annual Christmas on Broadway.

“It was a huge crowd, standing room only,” said event founder, Tony Butt.

“I’d say about twice as big as last year, but we can’t keep a tally at the gate.”

Beyond the 70 stallholders handpicked for their quality goods, the night’s entertainment proved an enormous highlight.

“Tash Higginson was well-received, she’s a great natural talent,” said Mr Butt.

“Sam Heffernan is very professional, and Mark Crowder brought a big following too.”

The evening’s success was due in part to the weekend’s weather, which Mr Butt describes as “nearly perfect”.

“We saw a lot more farmers than we usually see, which is great,” he said.

“The rain we had leading up meant that the harvests had to be called off for a day while crops dried, but it was great they were able to join us.”

For one thing, the weather aided the popularity of the annual bubble pool.

“It was overcast and colder than usual, there were a few people running around in cardigans and there could have been a little less wind but it just meant putting another jacket as it got colder at night,” said Mr Butt.

“It’s just as well it wasn’t too warm because it can get very hot inside those bubbles.”

Hosted by Junee Business and Trades, this year’s festival was sponsored by AJ Gallagher, Coates Hire, Hanlon Enterprises, and the GEO Group.

“It certainly wouldn’t be possible without the help of our sponsors,” said Mr Butt.

“We don’t charge gate entry so we rely on them to make it happen.”