The festive season is in full swing this weekend with the annual Combined Churches Carols in the Park at the Oamaru Gardens and St Paul’s Maheno/Otepopo Presbyterian Church Fundraiser on Saturday.
The St Paul’s fundraiser from 1pm to 4pm is a special tour of well-known gardening locals Silvie Pretcher, Joan and Graeme Dick, Janet Lindsay and Lesley and Bill McIntosh’s properties.
The free community event Carols in the Park, presented by the Combined Churches of Oamaru supported by the Waitaki District Council, runs from 6pm to 8.30pm and features popular family attractions with a bouncy castle for the children, community musical and cultural groups, food stalls, live music and a sing-a-long to popular Christmas carols.
Event co-ordinator Salvation Army officer Jocelyn Smith said it was a "privilege" to partner with Oamaru groups for a "really hopeful" event.
"It’s a great opportunity for everyone to be together and celebrate the joy of Christmas.
"It’s been a tough year for a lot of people and this is a joyous celebration with lots of fun."
In the spirit of Christmas there will be spot prizes for the best dressed angels and shepherds, Capt Smith said.
St Paul’s committee member Lesley McIntosh said the response to their church fundraiser is very pleasing with 50 tickets sold by Wednesday for their special garden tour.
"We will also have a plant stall, crafts and other goodies on offer and afternoon tea at the church — We felt it was a nice thing to do at this time of year to bring everyone together in the Christmas season and the gardens are looking good after all the spring rain."
Mrs McIntosh said ticket holders would see properties with quirky features, terraced gardens, pristine plants, natives and fruit trees.
