Summer Santas try to break record

The Brightwater Commons is attempting to set a world record for the largest gathering of Summer Santas, and people are urged to help out by arriving dressed up in their red and white summer attire.
JUMP into your sleigh with your best Santa attire and get down to the Brightwater Commons on 4 December, when the shopping centre will try to set a world record for the largest gathering of Summer Santas.

Rock up in your red and white summer clothes and set a recordRock up in your red and white summer clothes and set a recordBy asking residents to dress up as Summer Santas in their board shorts and bikinis, the event will take advantage of Joburg’s balmy weather. All you need to do to participate is put on a Santa hat, wear a red t-shirt or swimming costume, or don a traditional Santa costume and pay R10 entrance fee.

Alternatively, R20 will get you in plus you will receive a Santa hat; guests planning to go to the event are asked to wear red and white anyway in order to count towards the record-breaking attempt.

“There will be plenty to do and see for both the kids and adults,” the Brightwater Commons website advertises. “For the children and young at heart, Santa himself will make an appearance in the promotional court with some treats.”

For sports lovers and proud supporters of the Lions – the 2011 Currie Cup champions - Alwyn Hollenbach will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and have photos taken with. Rugby memorabilia will also be up for grabs on the day, with a signed Lions jersey to be given away in a lucky draw, and a hamper to be auctioned off.

Guests showing off their Santa spirit will also stand a chance of winning shopping vouchers that are redeemable at the Brightwater Commons.

The entertainment will by no means end there. Popular musician Bobby van Jaarsveld will take to the stage to keep visitors feeling festive. “His unique and energetic performances appeal to a wide range of people, as do his varying genres,” the website states.

Newly-formed group Orion, comprised of musicians Wilco Coetzer and Waldo Greeff, will also perform on the day.

Food and drink will be in plentiful supply too; food will be available from the centre’s various restaurants and a McGinty’s beer tent will stave off dehydration.

There will be lots of fun activties for childrenThere will be lots of fun activties for childrenNot only will the day feature plenty of fun, it also serves as an opportunity to do some good as a portion of the funds raised will be donated to The Paige Project, which is a charity dedicated to helping children who have cerebral palsy. Funds donated to the charity will be used to assist in opening a Paige Project Centre for Cerebral Palsy Children.

The centre will be the first of its kind and will cater to all children with the disease in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. The centre will include physiotherapy facilities, occupational and speech therapy, a training centre for medical students and an educational centre.

The gathering of Santas for charitable purposes has taken place all around the world, including in the United States, Ireland, Portugal and Romania. Guinness World Records currently ranks Derry City in Ireland as the champion for having the largest gathering of Santa Clauses; there were 12 965 Santas who converged on Guildhall Square on 9 September 2007.

Johannesburg’s second attempt at setting a record will take place once again at the Brightwater Commons in Randburg. Last year, the event was called Wheels for Christmas and involved hundreds of Santas arriving at the shopping centre on wheels in order to raise money for the QuadPara Association of South Africa.

This year will involve the same festive spirit and support of a good cause. “The commons will be fenced in and all who want to join in the fun while and contribute to a worthy cause need to bring their mates, family and, most importantly, something red and white for the summer Santa record attempt,” the website states.

The event will start at 12 noon and end at 3pm. To find out more, you can phone the Brightwater Commons on 011 789 5052 or visit their website.

Brightwater Commons is located on Republic Road in Randburg.