Hundreds of children are expected to descend on the South Arm Oval this evening for the town’s annual Christmas Eve Water Battle, now in its 12th year.
The tradition began in 2013 when local resident Millie Bradshaw decided to keep the community’s festive spirit alive after a new firetruck replaced the old one that used to carry Santa through the streets.
“Our local town used to have a firetruck come around and shoot water everywhere on the kids and the kids would retaliate,” she told Pulse.
“In 2013, we got a new firetruck, which is a new modern one that doesn’t have access on the back of it for Santa. So I decided to start a water fight on the local oval.”
The event has grown significantly since its incetion, starting with one firetruck, two firefighters, 30 buckets of water balloons and about 50 children.
Last year drew several hundred children and families from across greater Hobart.
“A fair few hundred children come and families as well from not just South Arm, but all over,” Bradshaw said.
The 31-year-old lifelong South Arm resident said the community’s response has kept her motivated despite the challenges of organising the event during her busiest period as a hairdresser.
“A little kid ran up to me and said, this is the best new tradition ever. Can you please do it next year,” she said.
“That’s what has made me do it every year.”
Tonight’s battle kicks off at 5pm with Santa arriving on the back of a motorbike from Touch of the MO Cafe, followed by water trucks, firetrucks and countless water balloons.
“Expect some water trucks here with their hoses. They donate the water every year. And firetrucks, kids, water balloons, just massive, everything water,” Ms Bradshaw said.
Parents are being reminded to supervise children closely as the event can become overwhelming for younger participants.
A barbecue will follow at Touch of the MO Cafe after the water battle finishes.
