After months of preparation, Chill N Glen kicked off on Saturday morning with an announcement by the Town Crier.
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It wasn’t long before thousands of locals and visitors packed into the centre of town, diving into the festival action which featured a European Christmas Craft Market, arts and crafts in the Town Hall and a wealth of family-friendly activities.
A snow storm proved popular with children, parents and Adam Marshall.
The local MP and state tourism minister even committed to finding some money in the budget for a snow-making machine like they use on the snow fields down south, if only to see the Service Club's Pat Longergan tobogganing down Bourke Street.
“It was just phenomenal,” festival organiser Kylie Hawkins told The Examiner on Monday.
“All the restaurants were booked out … it was an absolute celebration of community – it truly was.
“There was not one person, group or organisation that didn’t have some sort of involvement and I think that’s what made it such a success [and] together we just created an amazing event.”
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Steve Toms said the festival was an outstanding event “embraced by both local people and visitors”.
“I was very surprised with the atmosphere in the main street before 9am on Saturday morning,” Cr Toms said.
“The music and variety of stalls and people … I was very surprised how that atmosphere seemed to grow during the day.”
On Saturday evening, Rotary held a Cracker Night at the Showgrounds with fire twirling and fireworks at 6pm.
And on Sunday, the festivities continued with more markets, a special display at the History House, fossicking at the tourist park, raffles at the Glen Innes Services Club and lots of traditional European meals on offer to warm weary travellers – and much more.
“The feedback from the store holders, of which there were 47, was phenomenal and they are all booking in already for next year,” Ms Hawkins said.
“People are already thinking about how we can improve and expand and do things a bit differently.”
But before next year’s planning begins, Ms Hawkins said organisers were going to take a well-deserved break.
“It’s been six months of solid commitment and dedication from an amazing group of individuals that just championed their various elements of the event,” she said.
“The man hours are just mind-blowing.
“But it’s so worth it when you walk away from an event with such positivity and that was such a success.”