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After a difficult 12-18 months a sense of normalcy swept over the Horsham CBD on Friday.
The city was alive and well, as people flooded the streets for the annual Kannamaroo festival and Black Friday Sales.
People clamoured for the best deals on this year's Christmas presents, while later on families flooded Roberts Avenue to take part in all the activities; some of which included a jumping castle, face painting and a reptile petting zoo.
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It was a welcome sight to see the smiles on people's faces, as well as the business owners who have done it so tough for so long.
On Friday afternoon Cooks Lingerie and Manchester owners John Latimer and Kelly Smithyman said they had witnessed a great response from the town for the festivities.
"This year has probably been exceptional compared to other years," Latimer said.
"Maybe that's the relationship of the COVID situation we're in and people are going to take opportunity to get out and about and shop."
"I think people are starting to free up with the COVID aspect. I guess it's easier for people now to accept that the community is safe because we're now at 90% of people double vaxxed."
Smithyman was thrilled with the community's attitude toward the event after 2020's edition of the Black Friday Sales and Kannamaroo "didn't get the full response".
"There was not as much foot traffic," Smithyman said.
"Where this year I think that I can say there's been a lot more foot traffic a lot more people eager to get out and actually start their shopping or browse."
With Christmas now less than a month away, Latimer said the event has always been a "festive time of year for visitors".
"It's an ideal time for people to start their Christmas shopping and enjoy the benefits of discounts and specials," he said.
Owner of Latus Jewellers Matt Latus had also experienced good business over Friday.
"The last 18 months have been pretty ordinary, to have the town back open and what we've had to day it's been a tremendous day," Latus said.
"We've been busy since 9am, it's good to see things are starting to get back to a bit of normal."
"It doesn't just finish today, we'll probably be busy tomorrow morning, we'll keep the posters up."
After tonight, Kannamaroo festivities continue tomorrow starting at 10am and finishing at 10:30pm. For more information on all the activities head to the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kannamaroo
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