The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
There were some amazing gifts on offer as the Castle Sports Complex was turned into a Winter Wonderland at the weekend to raise £4,000 for the Spalding Flower Parade.
More than 70 local businesses set up to sell handmade items and festive treats on Saturday.
A dozen catering vans kept the crowds fed and watered all day.
Local charities took the opportunity to have fund raising stalls too.
Organiser Steve Timewell said: “I am so pleased with the way it went. It was seven months in the planning and it turned out to be of huge proportions.
“I believe it’s the biggest craft fair ever held in Spalding.
“We are estimating that around 7,000 people came to the event.”
Santa was busy in his grotto all day, handing out presents to over 125 children.
Some had pre-booked an appointment to meet the man himself but over 70 queued on the day.
Santa was assisted by a team of elves in a wonderful grotto, all constructed by the volunteers.
In all more than 40 volunteers were involved in putting on the show.
Steve said: “My dedicated team worked tirelessly all day and the day before, constructing the grotto.
“We were so lucky that more than 40 local people had donated unwanted Christmas trees, all of which were used on the day, then donated to needy families and care homes after the event.
“We even donated a trailer load to the fire station for their Christmas grotto.
“They will then donate them to others afterwards.
“I cannot thank my team enough.
“They are truly amazing and without them I could not put on these community events.”
One of the volunteers, Jax Clements, ran the huge prize draw with over 150 prizes, donated by local businesses, individuals and the crafters that attended on the day.
The raffle alone raised over £500.
In total the event raised over £3,000 towards the 2024 Spalding Flower Parade, with total fund raising now over £60,000.
When it comes to future events, Steve said: “We have a Christmas bingo at the Services Club on November 20 and another at Pinchbeck Village Hall on December 1, then I’m taking two weeks off before we start the serious task of preparing the floats for the parade in May.
“I have a couple of unique ideas for events next year and will announce full details after Christmas.”
