The smoky haze that shrouded the Illawarra on Thursday morning was no deterrent for the spectacular show that was the 16th annual KidzWish Children's Christmas Party.
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About 4300 children from near and far gathered at the WIN Entertainment Centre for fun and festivities to bring in the Christmas period, with the theme this year being A Christmas Carol. The excitement was electric as children poured through the gates and into the venue.
Whether it was their first or ninth time attending, a grin painted every person's face.
Rhiley from Warilla, who has been attending the annual party for as long as she can remember, gave the perfect summary of what the event means for the Illawarra.
"It's a great place for everyone on all walks of life ... to come together," she said as the crowd anticipated the moment of which headliner Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle, would emerge.
For some, the KidzWish Children's Christmas Party is the epitome of Christmas spirit and a stellar start to the season.
"It's a good way to start the Christmas holidays," Dexter Heffernan's family from Kiama Downs said, donned in festive apparel.
For others, it's the one event of the year that families can make and celebrate special moments together: a reward for facing the battles of the year head on and coming out strong.
Parents and children who have dealt with long illnesses, hospital visits and hardships can forget their troubles upon setting foot into a care-free world with complementary entertainment.
"Having a child with a disability means we're restricted ... because of finance and what he can do," Joseph Robinson and his family from Cringila said.
This party serves as a way that all families can have fun and kids can just be kids, no matter what they've had to go through.
"It's a representation of how innocent children are," Racheal from Warrawong said as the stadium's lights went down and the epic show ensued.
Disco lights flashed in the dark as the KidzWish dance group began the concert with a bang by performing Can't Stop the Feeling! under a colourful array of strobe lights.
The "Greg"-arious 11-time host Greg Page followed with Jingle Bell Rock. The former Wiggle got everyone up on their feet, making paws and animal roars, hot potatoes and cold spaghetti.
Throughout his performance, Page showed he still possesses the timeless musical magic that enchants audiences young and old.
Magic wands waved proudly with the flamboyant entrance of the Kidzwish Fairy, who glowed in a flowing yellow dress and flower crown as she sang You Can Fly and the Christmas classic Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.
Following her performance, the Fairy and the audience summoned Happy Meals and happy faces with the magic words "We love Maccas". There were appearances and disappearances as Ronald McDonald bewitched the crowd with magic tricks and all 20,000 chicken nuggets mysteriously disappeared into hungry mouths.
The Christmas Party wouldn't be complete without an appearance from Santa Claus. The man in the red suit was welcomed by a wave of exhilarated children and the chime of jingle bells as he was joined by an entourage of tap dancing Santa's helpers to ascend the stage.
There was twisting, tambourine playing and memories made at the 16th annual KidzWish Children's Christmas Party, an unforgettable event that is held dear in many hearts across the Illawarra.
The fun will continue on Friday with the Kidzwish Charity Ball dinner, hosted by Jade and Straney from 96.5 Wave FM with appearances from Greg Page, Liam Power Magic, Tap Pack and Petersborough students.
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Photos from the 16th annual KidzWish Christmas party at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Pictures: Sylvia Liber. Photos are available for purchase, call 4221 2265.
