Nine things to do in the regions this week (8 - 14 December)

The holidays are on the way, but that doesn’t mean the regional events calendar is slowing down!

Congo Crafts Gallery is hosting its 38th annual exhibition, showcasing the work of Jim Simms, while the Said Hanrahan: Land. Care. Climate. Crisis. exhibition in Wagga Wagga is coming to a close. Meanwhile, theatre fans will be in for a treat with Lend Me a Soprano from a Moruya theatre group. Foodies from far and wide are invited to the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival in Bowral, with the focus on food and drink of all kinds from the region.

And we couldn’t forget Christmas! Houses and businesses in Boorowa are invited to get involved in a Christmas lights competition, and there are carols in Ulladulla and Tumut for everyone to enjoy. Meanwhile, both Long Beach and Yass Valley residents are hosting Christmas-themed events, with raffles, live music performances, stallholders, a parade and a visit from Father Christmas on the schedule.

Multiple days

Congo Crafts’ 38th Annual Exhibition

When: 3 to 17 December (except Tuesdays), 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Congo Crafts Gallery, 721 Congo Road, Congo
Cost: Free entry.

This exhibition is returning for its 38th year. Established in 1980, Congo Crafts features the work of potter and painter Jim Simms. His work includes Japanese and Korean inspired gas and wood-fired stoneware ceramics, paintings, textiles and jewellery.

Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival

When: 8 December, 5 to 10 pm; 9 December, 11 am to 10 pm; 10 December, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Corbett Gardens, Wingecarribee Street, Bowral
Cost: Tickets cost $30 for adults or $10 for children aged 13 to 17 (children under 13 have free entry), and are available via the festival’s website.

Foodies of all stripes are sure to find something to eat or drink as this festival returns for another year. In 2023, it will be held at Corbett Gardens across three days under the Festival of Lights, organised by Business Southern Highlands. Browse the exhibitors featuring foods from around the world. A ticket comes with a tasting glass, so you can try the wines, spirits and beers of the region. Surrounding the food and drink on offer is a line-up of live music, including from acts Kiss the Frog, The Martini Henry’s, Saving for Botox, Ella’s Holiday and the Bong Bong All Stars.

Lend Me a Soprano production

When: 8 to 16 December, various times
Where: Moruya RSL, Moruya
Cost: Tickets cost between $25 and $30, and are available via the theatre company’s website.

Lend Me a Soprano by Ken Ludwig is the latest production from Moruya Red Door Theatre. Based on Ken Ludwig’s Tony Award-winning Lend Me A Tenor, this madcap screwball comedy takes place in 1934. The clever and combustible Lucille Wiley is manager of the Australian Grand Opera Company and about to welcome world-class soprano Elena Firenzi for her one night-only starring role in Carmen. But little goes to plan. Elena arrives late, her husband has a fit of jealousy, and Ms Wiley’s assistant Jo needs to step in and (maybe) save the day.

Boorowa Christmas Lights Competition

When: Entries close 10 December and judging is from 12 to 14 December
Where: Various locations around Boorowa
Cost: Free entry.

This competition is seeking to light up the streets (and buildings) of Boorowa. Entrants in the four categories – Best Lit House or Residential Display, Best Commercial or Non-Residential Display, Best Novelty Display and Best Rural Display – will go head-to-head to see who can decorate their building the best, and the rest of us can enjoy driving through town to see their efforts. The Boorowa Business Chamber, co-ordinator of the competition in 2023, has extended the entry deadline, so residents have until 10 December to enter. The judges will be hard at work from 12 to 14 December, before the winners are announced from 19 December. Entries from across the former Boorowa Shire Council area of Rye Park, Reid’s Flat, Frogmore, Rugby, Murringo, and other local villages and locales are welcome. Entry forms can be picked up from Boorowa IGA in Pudman Street or by visitng the business chamber’s website.

Said Hanrahan: Land. Care. Climate. Crisis. exhibition

When: Until 12 December, 10 am to 4 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) or 10 am to 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Museum of the Riverina, Historic Council Chambers, corner of Baylis and Morrow streets, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.

This Wagga art exhibition ends soon, which means time is running out to see this re-evaluation of farming and other land management choices since colonisation. It features historic photographs from the collection of the Museum of the Riverina and artwork by Wiradjuri artist Lorraine Connelly Northey, Canberra artist Wendy Teakel and photographer Tayla Martin. The exhibition is a collaborative project between the Museum of the Riverina and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

Saturday

Community Christmas Carols

When: 9 December, 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: Ulladulla Civic Centre, 81B Princes Highway, Ulladulla
Cost: Free entry.

Are you the person who puts Christmas carols on the office playlist from 1 December? If so, think about heading along to this performance. School choirs and the Anglican Church Choir will be taking to the stage. Attendees are invited to wear something Christmas-themed to match Saint Nick, who will be stopping by as well. Food and other refreshments will be available from The Terrace by Killara Hospitality.

Sunday

Tumut Carols by Candlelight

When: 10 December, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Richmond Park, 41 Richmond Street, Tumut
Cost: Free entry.

The award-winning singer-songwriter Lyn Bowtell will be coming to Tumut to bring some Christmas cheer! She will be the guest of honour, and be joined on stage by local performers and schoolchildren. Father Christmas will also be making an appearance (and we hear he’ll be taking photos with you if you’ve been nice this year). A coffee van and barbecue manned by Rotary volunteers will be operating as well. Sunday will also be your last chance to enter the mega raffle, as the winner will be drawn at the night’s end.

Long Beach Christmas Fair

When: 10 December, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Sandy Place Reserve, Long Beach
Cost: Free entry.

Long Beach is known for its beaches – and for its annual Christmas event to bring the community together. The family-friendly event promises another packed schedule.

Local musician Chris McGrath will be performing, and Santa will pay a visit at 11:30 am with some lolly bags. At 12:30 pm, the Christmas Raffle will be drawn to see who has been lucky enough to win in the $4000 total prize pool of more than 20 prizes. Throughout the day, there will be free face painting, food vendors and more than 60 vendors selling handmade products, art, gin, plants and much more. Members of the Long Beach RFS Brigade will be manning a barbecue and answer any questions about how to prepare for the bushfire season. And yes, it is dog friendly, so bring along your fur babies for some fun with them!

Thursday

Yass Valley Christmas Parade

When: 14 December, 5 to 8 pm
Where: Comur Street, Yass
Cost: Free entry.

If the 70 market stalls aren’t enough to keep you busy, there will also be 37 shop fronts on Comur Street open to accept shoppers or those looking for dinner. Adding to the fun will be live music performances and a petting zoo, so make sure to bring the kids along and be ready to celebrate. Father Christmas will be taking time out of his schedule and visiting Yass Valley in the lead up to Christmas Day. The market will open at 5 pm, with the parade to start at 6:30 pm on Comur Street.