Sisters Charlotte and Lucy Munro help Santa Claus ring in the fest season on western Cape York at the Weipa Christmas market on Saturday morning. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It was just a little bit warmer than the North Pole in November, but it did not stop a special guest grinning from ear to ear as he took hundreds of photos with Weipa children and families on Saturday.
A bumper crowd converged on the Weipa Storm Shelter for the community’s 2024 Christmas market on 30 November to celebrate the start of the silly season on western Cape York and create memorable moments with Santa Claus, who flew in in especially for the event and to undertake some reconnaissance ahead of his return on Christmas Eve.
Between photographs, Santa told Cape York Weekly he had been impressed by the behaviour of Weipa children, but added he was yet to double check his famous list before completing his annual around-the-world adventure.
“I’ve seen lots of very good girls and boys here today, but there are a few who could be on the naughty list if they don’t listen to their parents between now and Christmas,” he said.
“I had to fly in with Qantas for this visit so I didn’t tire Rudolph and the other reindeer out before the big event on Christmas Eve.”
Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Chair Jaime Gane said she was thrilled to see such a big crowd turn out to ring in the festive season and support local stallholders by stocking up on unique Christmas gifts.
“It’s brilliant to see everyone here today showing what the spirit of Weipa is all about,” she said.
“We’ve got great numbers coming through the doors and Santa and his helpers are being run off their feet getting photos with kids and families.
“Thanks to the WTA team for organising the markets, and thanks to the stallholders who have turned out in force to show off their wares and provide plenty of local Christmas gift options.”
