THERE was scorching heat, then blustery winds followed by heavy rain.
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But as the clouds cleared and the evening neared, the Bendigo Christmas spirit was clear for all to see as families and friends marched into Rosalind Park, picnic rugs and folding chairs under arms.
When the first note was played at the 2015 Rotary Club of Bendigo Carols by Candlelight, the lawns of the picturesque park were packed with people.
With candle in one hand and song books in the other, young and old alike joined in a rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to get the evening under way.
Soprano Brenda McDougall, the Bendigo Youth Performing Choir and Nelson Gardner took turns to lead the crowd through the songs, including classics like Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful.
As the sun set and the sea of candles shone, excitement grew as Santa Claus’ grand entrance came ever closer.
Finally he arrived on a tractor, fittingly, to Here Comes Santa, as the famous Bendigo carols were done for another year.