In a balmy atmosphere, both weather and spirit, a good crowd of locals gathered to enjoy and share in the blessings of Carols in the Park. It has been many years since this event was last held at Baker Park, and the traditions of those earlier years were honoured. Local businesses and individuals donated money, time and effort to bring the night together. Shirley Evans, 20 years on, is still in charge of handing out candles and glowsticks; Bill Elliott, likewise 20 years on, moves trailers, gathers the mundane stuff like trestles, chairs, bits and bobs, cleans the BBQ and turns a sausage or two. First timers Mary and her team from the Safehouse arrived and set up a Christmas Tree and fairy lights in no time. The local band, the Black Shadows (Kyle, Tim, Robert, and Horse), hearing that two of the musicians may not be able to attend, arrived with their trailer and gear, set up, and added accompaniment to carols to their repertoire. Brian from St Therese’s and the Flying Padre handled BBQ tongs with aplomb; multi talented musician Trish, and helper Lucy, organised watermelon and treats.

Sister Elizabeth, the coordinator, had always wanted this to be an ecumenical event, and so was joined by Darrin and Trish Atkinson from OneFire Ministries and Pastor David Shrimpton from the Uniting Church Far West patrol. David took on the bulk of the MC role, as Darrin was also accompanying Trish in a number of items. David’s quick response to anything said or done was one of the highlights. His Christmas message, aimed at the many children present, of it being a time of celebration and joy at the birth of Jesus and connection to family, was, in an unintended way, reinforced by Horse Whyman’s choice of solo musical item, “I’ll be home for Christmas”. Darrin and Trish and Mary and Anthony provided a number of duets and also led the community carol singing. This lead was very much needed until everyone got into the swing of the night. The combined school choir showed how far they have progressed this year, tackling a very challenging carol ‘O Holy Night’ before finishing with a robust ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’. St Therese’s provided a Nativity scene, though, on a lighter note, none of the children wanted to be Mary or Joseph as these roles required Joseph to put his arm around Mary, and we all know what boy/girl germs do. The rest of the roles were eagerly snapped up though, plenty of angels and farm animals.

There are many to be thanked, Pastor David, Darrin and Trish, Mary and her Safehouse team, Mezza’s Music, both schools, the Black Shadows, Wilcannia Health Service, Wilcannia Café, Wilcannia Golf Club, Wilcannia Tourism Association, Wilcannia News, Wilcannia Roadhouse, and Central Darling Shire. The evening ended just after dark, so the candlelight was at its most impressive during the final carol ‘Silent Night’, before the combined singers farewelled the audience with ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’. Then, in one of the best pack-ups ever witnessed, it was all hands on deck, done and dusted in just on half an hour. 

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, December 2023.