MILD weather conditions made New Year’s Eve by the water an inviting prospect in Koondrook and Cohuna, with people relaxing by the Murray River and Gunbower Creek as they saw out 2019.
Laid back music by Mantel at Koondrook’s Apex Park, and Jessicca Lorraine at Cohuna Garden Park helped set the mood as attendees socialised with friends and family.
Kids in Koondrook enjoyed a jumping castle, snow cones, bubble machine and the chance to race miniature emergency vehicles propelled by jets of water from Koondrook CFA hoses.
The ‘Amazing Mr Mike’ magic show kept up the entertainment.
Although targeted more to a younger audience, there was something in the show for all age groups.
Mike Fields performed the magic, with his 12-year-old son Ruben adding to the theatre with a juggling show, using an array of objects including balls and machetes.
“It was a top night. They were a good crowd and they were up for a good night,” Mr Fields said of the Koondrook gathering.
Local act JustUss kept the music going in Cohuna, providing a mix of 70s, 80s and 90s rock numbers.
Event coordinator and Cohuna Progress Association committee member Wendy McGlone was delighted with how the evening went.
“The fireworks were fantastic. They seemed to go forever. I think it was nearly nine minutes.”
“I reckon we had every bit of 1000 people there at 10 o’clock,” she said of the Cohuna Garden Park turn-out.
Cohuna’s Apex Park was an alternative option, although numbers there were “a little down” this year, Ms McGlone said.
Shortly after nine o’clock the winners of the Christmas Design – or Christmas lights – awards were announced.
The award for the best “town house” went to Tom Colman with best farm won by Val Dehne.
The Clifford and Campi families were runners up in those categories respectively.
Competition sponsors Primary Partners provided prizes for Mr Colman and Ms Dehne of a night’s accommodation in a deluxe suite with VIP benefits at Crown Towers in Melbourne.
The runners-up each received $100.
