Kiama Council
Kiama's business community will get a booster shot in the arm on Saturday when the Winter Street Festival brings thousands of people flocking to the town centre.
The festival was created to not only deliver a community event but to create economic benefits for the town's cafes, restaurants and shop owners.
Kiama Council data shows last year's Festival delivered a significant boost to local businesses, with spending across the township increasing by $137,284 (19%) compared with the previous Saturday, reaching more than $720,000 in total expenditure.
Hospitality businesses were among the biggest beneficiaries, with spending at Kiama's dining and entertainment venues increasing by $62,300 (31.7%) compared with the prior weekend. Visitor spending in dining and entertainment businesses was also up 41.8%.
The free Festival runs from 12pm-8pm on Saturday, transforming Kiama's town centre into a winter playground packed with giant illuminated puppets, spectacular fire performances, comedy shows, live music, stilt walkers, interactive art, workshops and family-friendly activities.
Festivalgoers can also test their skills on a giant rock-climbing wall, take a turn on a mechanical snowboard and explore a range of pop-up experiences.
"The Festival serves dual purposes as a way for locals and tourists to be entertained by the performances on offer but also as a key economic driver in what is traditionally the low season for many of our hospitality venues," said Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald.
"It's quickly developed a reputation for being one of the most eagerly awaited events on our local calendar."
More than 80 local business operators and creatives will be part of the Festival, including Kiama's Laughter House Entertainment providing their Little Big Stage with a program of comedy, jugging, contortion and fire.
Local artist Michelle Springett is running art classes at the Old Fire Station until next Thursday.
"We're doing a drop-in where people come in and buy a canvas, then they can stay as long as they like," she said.
"We'll also be building snowmen out of polystyrene, we'll be decorating lanterns to go around the Fire Station and down the street, and we're creating our mascot Daisy The Cow's winter wardrobe. So we'll be knitting and crocheting items for her and encouraging people to participate."
Tamara "Kiki" Campbell from Laughter House, artist Michelle Springett, Kiama Council Events Lead Helen Demertzis, Miss Zoe's dance instructor Lilly Miles, Council's Manager Tourism and Economic Development Sally Bursell and Mayor Cameron McDonald at the Old Kiama Fire Station with dancer Pandora Meszaros.
Miss Zoe's School of Dance group will not only be performing but teaching anyone who is keen how to line dance, which is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
"People love it. It's just so fun," said Miss Zoe's dance instructor Lilly Miles. "Our dancers have just done their in-class recitals so getting out into the community and performing will be a big thrill."
Chair of Kiama Council's Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, Cr Matt Brown, encouraged people to make the most of the event.
"Kiama Winter Street Festival is the ideal way for visitors and locals to soak up the many delights our town has to offer," he said.
"I'd encourage everyone to make a full day of it."
Festivalgoers are encouraged to use public transport due to road closures from 10am-10pm and limited parking being available. A free shuttle bus will be in operation from the Kiama Leisure Centre where parking will be on offer for a $5 donation to the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service.
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