Christmas in Narrogin to draw children and shoppers to the centre of town for festive fun

The streets of Narrogin will be bustling with carnival rides, family-friendly activities and local stalls, while retailers will stay open for late-night shopping at the annual Christmas in Narrogin event on Thursday.

The community event is organised by residents Loshni Mercuri and Johanna Eppler, and supported by Betta Home Living, Toyworld, Steelo’s Guns and Outdoors, Thing-a-me-bobs, and Wild & Waste Free.

Ms Mercuri said the five local businesses had identified a need for a festive community event and came together to organise Christmas in Narrogin.

“We got together and organised a late-night shopping for the first year and it grew from there,” she said. “Now we’re at a point where we needed funding and to fundraise to make it bigger and better every year.”

Retail stores will keep their doors open until 8pm for late-night shopping and local businesses will set up stalls on Fortune, Federal and Edgerton streets.

Ms Mercuri said the event aimed to encourage the community to shop locally and support small businesses at Christmas.

“The point behind the event was to get people to shop locally because lots of people buy Christmas gifts and if they’re not spending money in town, they are spending it elsewhere,” she said.

“We also wanted to provide some entertainment for the kids and their families.”

Children will have the chance to meet Peppa Pig, Bluey and Father Christmas at Mackie Park.

A “bubble-ologist” and balloon maker will be providing free entertainment, and little ones can get their faces painted for a gold coin donation.

Harris Street will be taken over by carnival rides including a merry-go-round, a giant trampoline bungee jump, and a bouncy castle.

Wristbands will be sold for $10 granting children un-limited access to carnival rides.

Ms Eppler said the event was a great opportunity for people to do some last-minute Christmas shopping while catching up with friends.

“This event is to promote shopping local but it’s also for the benefit of the community,” she said.

“It just creates such an amazing buzz and feel on the night.

“People come out to catch up with friends and family, socialise and do a bit of shopping.

“Everyone is just so happy, and it’s a really great night.”

Narrogin Primary School and St Mathews Choir will perform at Mackie Park.

A raffle will be drawn on the night, with prizes including an adult bicycle, a 40-inch smart TV, a camping swag and a rug, with tickets still on sale at the five major stores.

Ms Mercuri said the event was going ahead because of the sponsorship of businesses inside and outside of the Narrogin CBD.

“Everyone has just been so fantastic and this night would not have been possible if everyone didn’t put their hand in their pockets, no matter how big or small,” she said.