The man in red spent the morning posing for pictures with his biggest fans - the kids - in between radio interviews and dealing with the paparazzi.

Upon meeting the children he asked the usual question: "What would you like for Christmas?" and was surprised to hear many of the kids requesting rain.

Vinnies Bega centre manager Mary Nugent said the months of preparation for the event was well worth the effort just to see the smiles on the kids' faces.

"This year we decided to do something different and get the community involved," she said commenting on the inclusion of the jumping castle, Bega Brass Band, sausage sizzle, face painting and Radio 2EC contributing to the festive atmosphere.

There was loads of Christmas shopping and bargain hunting going on with the store holding a half price sale. Decorations, elf suits, cakes, hundreds board, toy stall and a good old fashioned lucky - dip were all part of the festivities.