Festivities fill the streets

The jumping castle was getting a good work out. 175968

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove Business Association’s third annual Christmas in the Grove was a spectacular success.
The Terrace was closed to traffic for the second year in a row and people flocked the event, which is run to entice shoppers to spend their money locally.
“We are very pleased with the outcome,” OGBA president Ty Simons said.
“It was a a great run out, perfect weather and a real sense of community. Most businesses did something and the food businesses particularly all had a great night. The OGBA are very happy with the night.”
Mr Simons estimated there were 1500 to 2000 people at the event.
Mr Simons said not only was OGBA encouraged to continue the event on a yearly basis, the idea of a similar festival at Easter was appealing.
“We’re certainly carrying on with the yearly event and we are floating the idea of something similar on another evening around Easter to catch the holiday crowd,“ he said.
Food stalls, face painting, music, a jumping castle and an appearance by Santa Claus all added to the atmosphere.
Families strolled down The Terrace to browse and the feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive.