The Rev Andrew Howley said that although the event had been part of the community for longer than a decade, St Enoch’s Church had taken over 10 years ago and it had been a beloved event ever since.
They were expecting about 75 to 85 people, which had been the general number for most years, he said.
The event seemed to draw a diverse range of people from across Central Otago.
"People come for a whole variety of reasons," Mr Howley said.
Many were away from their families and did not have anywhere to be on Christmas Day.
Others did not have the time or resources to have their own celebrations.
"We’ve become incredibly disconnected from our families," Mr Howley said, noting that many families had been scattered across the world for different reasons.
A significant number of attendees were young seasonal workers who had moved either from overseas or other cities in the South Island to work in Cromwell and Alexandra orchards.
The lunch itself was a barbecue served at noon as a buffet with home-made salads and sides and a generous helping of dessert later.
After getting their food, people gathered to eat in the main hall, which gave everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves to new and friendly faces.
Mr Howley also credited the possibility of the event to the hard work of about 35 volunteers, community donations, the Alexandra Rotary Club and local businesses such as Panmure orchards.
By Rawan Sadi
