“THE kids have been absolutely pumping to get here.”
That was how Tea Gardens visitor Rose described the excitement in her family as they arrived at Illuminate Raymond Terrace on Saturday, 19 September.
The small lantern parade began near the preschool as the light started to fade, its main attraction the large flying fox, which made its way above the crowd with a handful of other handmade lanterns.
The flying fox had been created during workshops led by Ikara Celebratory Events Artistic Director Phillip Relf.
It was not the only large creation to light up after dark.
Stevie and Peter from Redbarn Studio brought along a large illuminated jacaranda they had made from plastic conduit pipe.
Visitors were invited to add their names to it and become part of the artwork.
Friends Lucy and Ella also had people looking twice when they arrived in handmade historical costumes.
“We’re history geeks,” Lucy said.
The costumes were not for a school project or performance. Rather, they made them “for our own personal entertainment”.
While music, people and children filled much of the park, the Inclusion Zone offered a different kind of space.
Families could come in when the crowd and noise became too much. Sensory toys, noise-cancelling headphones and comfortable chairs were available, and some families returned during the evening.
“It’s a safe space for our patrons who are finding it a bit hard with all the crowd and the noise,” Chloe said
The Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed had also set up for the night, selling handmade toys and raffle tickets.
President John said being at Illuminate was about more than raising money.
“We’re selling toys and selling raffle tickets and making a presence in the community,” he said.
John explained that the money was placed in the group’s bank account, with donations then made to charities around Port Stephens after Christmas.
Children also made pictures and small creations from pebbles at one of the activity stalls.
The night ended with families looking skyward as the fireworks lit the sky over Boomerang Park.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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