Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

Crowds of Riverlanders lined the main street of Barmera for the annual Christmas pageant and firework display last week, with the community gathering providing another successful showing of local festive cheer and spirit despite the weekend heatwave.

Decorated and manned by local businesses, schools, and community groups, a convoy of floats began the Barmera Pageant last Friday night, before a showcase of fireworks by Ballistic Fireworks finished out the Christmas celebrations.

“The pageant volunteers did an amazing job as usual in preparing for the Barmera Christmas Pageant, and working many hours throughout the year to make it happen — it’s always a great feeling for them on pageant night, and seeing all their hard work come together,” Barmera Central co-ordinator Kelsey Trace said.

“The fireworks were fantastic as usual. Ballistic Fireworks know how to wow us every year, and never disappoints.”

Though the weekend heatwave meant some floats had to withdraw, Ms Trace said the pageant still “had a fantastic turnout”, featuring more than 30 decorated vehicles and displays in the parade.

“The weather was a concern for us leading up to pageant day, but was obviously out of our control, so we just made the best of the situation,” she said.

“(While) the day was very warm, by 6.30pm, when the pageant was kicking off, it was overcast and the temperature had dropped slightly, which was a relief.

“Elders Insurance made a lovely donation of water and juices to hand out to those at the float staging area, and we had pageant volunteers donate Zooper Doopers, which was lovely.

“I would say the highlight of the Barmera Christmas Pageant this year would be the floats, as we had a great number of floats despite the weather.

“So much hard work has been put into those floats, and it’s so good to see the community come together to spread the cheer and bring Christmas to Barmera.”

Berri Barmera Mayor Ella Winnall said “it was great to see so many people at Friday night’s Barmera Pageant, which was full of both Christmas and community spirit.”

“The vintage cars, floats and Santa’s Cave were all absolutely fantastic, as were the much-loved fireworks to finish off the evening,” she said.

“Congratulations to the event organisers, volunteers and float contributors for delivering such a fantastic night for the community.”

Ms Trace said she wanted to thank the sponsors of the pageant and numerous volunteers that helped put the event together.

“The community feedback we have received so far have been really good,” she said.

“It’s always great to hear the thoughts of the community and receive their feedback so we can improve the event, and it also gives us some reassurance that we are doing an amazing job to make the pageant happen.

“(I want to give a) very special thank you to our incredible sponsors who help make this event happen.

“(Their) contributions are extraordinary, and we are very thankful to have you all onboard.

“Special mention to SA Carp Frenzy, Win TV, Berri Barmera Council and Ballistic Fireworks for their involvement.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 17 December 2025.