WATCH: Wonder of Christmas celebrated at Homestead Dam

Hundreds of members of the community gather to reignite the spirit of Christmas.

December 5, 2023

Jani de beer 1 minute read

The Grinch, Santa and his little helper joined forces to make this a jolly holiday. Seen here are (from, left): Geoffrey Bower (Round Table Golden East 181), Grayson Tanner (5) and Wesley Kloppers (Round Table Golden East 181).

As the sun set over Homestead Dam, droves of Benonians settled under strings of fairy lights, waiting for the start of Clean Projects and Homestead Helpers’ carols by candlelight, on December 3.

Armed with cooler boxes, blankets and camping chairs, families and friends gathered to celebrate the arrival of the festive season.

These young ones hoped that carolling might coax their Elf on the Shelf into behaving. Seen here are (from, left): Riley Duvenage (6), Lyla Weilbach (6), Mi-Leja Duvenage (5), Undernay Duvenage (8) and Juan-Pierre Smit (3).

Making use of the last light, learners of Rynfield Primary quickly took to the stage, checking their marks, before performing the nativity play while curious onlookers waited patiently for the start of the event, with their Elf on the Shelf sitting on their laps.

As the lights dimmed candles were lit and the sound of Christmas carols echoed across the water, with learners from Ashton College, Farrarmere Primary and St Dunstan’s College gracing the stage to deliver musical numbers, adding to the festive cheer

“None of us expected this! We are blown away by the amount of people who chose to spend the evening with us,” said Alison Etherington, one of the Clean Projects directors.

“As the candles burned into the night it was as if hope had been reignited in our hometown. We have not seen this in decades. Families and friends came out from behind their high walls and electric fences to unite in love.”

Members of the Benoni CPF patrolled ensuring the safety and security of those in attendance.

Jacqui Keel thanked everyone who supported the most magical and memorable evening.

“We want to give a special thanks to Manny’s Timber for their assistance in building the stage and erecting the lights as well as the Benoni CPF for ensuring that everyone was safe during this very special event,” she said.

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