Community
12 December, 2024
Gala Night set to reach 50 year milestone
THE Terang and District Traders Gala Night will celebrate 50 years of connecting the community and local business when the beloved event returns on Friday, December 20.
Terang Progress Association president Ken McSween said the Terang and District Traders, which is now a sub-committee of the association, are proud to support the event in reaching such a significant milestone.
“It’s the 50th anniversary of Gala Night, so we’re trying to make it a big one,” he said.
“Originally it was put on for the businesses to thank the public, but it’s also a way to promote local business ahead of Christmas and hopefully support them.
“It’s rewarding to know it’s reached 50 years, we’re trying to make it a relatively big affair.
“The event was getting a little stale, particularly being unable to hold it during COVID-19 – it lost a bit of enthusiasm, and we’re trying to get that back.”
The 50th year celebrations will kick off from 5pm with a special section set up opposite the Terang and District IGA Co-Op, offering unlimited rides for just $5, on attractions including a chair-o-plane, jumping castle, bungee run and face painting.
The popular dunk tank will also be returning this year, with locals set to brave a splash for a good cause.
Proceeds from the dunk tank will go to a good cause, with each person dunked nominating a local organisation to receive 75 per cent of funds raised while the remaining 25 per cent goes to the Terang Progress Association to support future events.
A Santa Dash from 6pm will see members of the community willing to dress as Santa line up for a race with cash prizes up for grabs.
“There’s going to be a lot of entertainment set up,” Mr McSween said.
“This year we’ve got Terang’s Aaron Hayward who will be singing on the night.
“He starred on The Voice earlier this year – so that’s going to be really good.”
The Terang Traders Christmas Promotion will return with $6000 in prizes for the lucky raffle winners to share in.
This year will see the introduction of a new format for prizes, with a transition away from the traditional trailer full of goods in favour of a prize which gives winners greater choice in what they receive.
First prize this year will be $3000 in vouchers from participating local businesses, with second receiving $2000 in vouchers and third receiving $1000.
The raffle will be drawn on Gala Night – Friday, December 20 at 8pm.
“We’ve made the change in the prize based on feedback we received last year,” Mr McSween said.
“The trailer idea was getting a little tired – this gives winners more opportunity to get what they want, and also encourages them to get out and visit our local businesses.
“It’s a much more personal thing to win.”
The evening will also see the winners of the 2024 Vern Walters Memorial Christmas Light Competition named.
The competition was named in memory of Vern Walters, whose incredible Christmas light displays are fondly remembered 10 years after her death.
Mr McSween encouraged the community to get out and support local businesses in the lead up to Gala Night.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Local food vendors and traders will also be setting up on the night, with anyone interested in hosting a stall invited to contact terangprogresssecretary@gmail.com.
Read More: Terang