The Forum held an event called Christmas in July which turned out to be a tremendous success. The thinking was that it would be good to get together in Winter and have an excuse to have hot chocolate, gluhwein, hot toddies and schnapps, together with good fellowship, fare, and allow Paul Rouxsters and friends to just have a good time.
The objective of the event was to bring people and money into the village, to raise some funds to assist in work
which needs to be done in the village. Examples are the maintenance of the
Smitsaal, and reclamation of the Rooidam. The Forum has other thoughts along the lines of, a dinner dance on
or around Valentine's Day, another one to celebrate the coming of Spring, and
maybe another one sometime in Summer just because it seems like a good idea.
The program was as follows:
9am-2pm
Market at The Pink Tricycle:
Quality handmade craft and food
stalls
Tractor and Trailer rides for
kids and the young at heart:
Biltongpotjie competition
Facepainting
Storytelling session for
children while toasting marshmallows
John Jacobs, internationally
known Mime artist performed 'Rooikappie' (Little Red Ridinghood)
2pm-5pm
Live performances by local artists:
- The Paul Roux School dancing Group
- Oom Daantjie en Tramsiena
- Zulu Dancers
- Gumboot dancers
- Die Grafsteensangers
- Frans Schelhase played Country Music on his guitar
- Richard Lewis sang some Jazz songs
Performances by:
- Frans Schelhase - guitar
- John Jacobs - mime artist
- Richard Lewis - jazz singing
- Die Grafsteensangers - lipsync comedy
BUT, the REAL end of this delightful day was the ghost tour. About 70 people, loaded into trailers, were taken on a ghost tour of the town, narrated by Oom Gert who knows all the famous ghost stories of our village-ending
the tour at a secret ruin where sherry was served. Guests were treated along the way with several sightings of 'Ghosts' and the laughter, banter and good humor made it the highlight of the day.
On Sunday, the Pink Tricycle bustled with brunch and lunch goers and the overwhelming feedback was that this was one of the best events many have had in Paul Roux - it certainly was a very happy day which is the primary objective. Well done to the Forum and all who participated.