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Sandringham Christmas Festival

Blog: Norfolk Single Dad
Posted by: Eddie2sox Saturday 15th December 2007, 9:45pm
Last edited 15/12/2007 9:45pm by Eddie2sox

We had a fun time at the Festival, but it seems to be more of a grown-up affairÂ….

OK, let’s get to the bottom of why today was good, but not great.

We had a nice time. It was very Christmassy and very jolly, but it wasn’t all up and running. Today was the opening day, and there were some stands not yet up and running. Nor was the ice rink. Both have been advertised as available at this show, so to find some of the expected items not in place was somewhat disappointing for me - but not for Sam, as he didn’t know what to expect. We had looked forward to trying the Hoopla and the Hook-A-Duck, but no chance. The booking for the husky sleigh ride was also really badly arranged, and we only found out about it by asking the husky owners themselves. The ice rink wasn’t ready for the start of the festival. We had decided NOT to try skating, but were looking forward to watching others. To see just a half-made ice rink was rather deflating for Sam.

That’s the negative stuff. You can work round that. I’m sure that as the Festival continues, all the stalls will become up and running and that particular bugbear will not be an issue. Equally, with the husky rides, I’m sure they will come up with a better system involving better advertising and signs. The ice rink will be finished, and used. The whole thing will be “in with the swing” in a week.

So, what did me and Sampants do? First of all we went into the farm/circus tent and looked at the animals - TINY horses, llamas, donkeys, zebras, camels, unicorns. Maybe not llamas to be honest.

A stroll round the stalls, and we ended up at the donuts - and decided to scoff some. Donuts done, Sam wanted the remaining sugar from the paper. I didn’t want him to. So Daddy “funnelled” the paper, Sam opened wide, and Daddy missed. BAD Daddy! From there for a wee stop, then off to book our husky ride.

We booked ourselves in between 12 and 1, and we saw there was a queue so we availed ourselves of some traditional Christmas food. Chips with red sauce for Sam, beef bap for Daddy! Expect to pay top prices for your food and drink at Sandringham, this set us back £6.50. We took the food to the queue for the sleigh ride, and waited as the owners worked their way down the list that the booking office had given them. There WAS a system after all! We waited for quite a while, as the dogs had to get accustomed to the course, going off track several times, much to the driver’s annoyance (are they called drivers?). Sam was highly excited and at last we had our turn. It was fab! The track is only a quarter of a mile, but it is such a different and interesting experience that it’s hugely enjoyable. Sam’s first observation was that he could see the rear husky’s bottom, and after that he was dumbstruck, just enjoying the ride and watching the dogs pulling us along. The “driver” talked to us all the way round, telling us which dogs were doing what. In a husky team there are leaders, and pullers, and nuisances! Altogether, a one-off, good fun experience.

From here we went to the reindeer racing stall, where you roll balls into holes to try to propel your reindeer along the track to win. Sam didn’t win, mainly because he was up against some teenage boys. He was quite upset about not winning too, so give this a miss if you have younger children.

By now we were freezing, despite the use of big coats, scarves, gloves and hats, so we decided to head home to get warm and have more fun. We made a diversion to the Christmas decoration stall, where we purchased a “smelly hanger”, then back to the car and home.

My advice?

Husky rides - book as soon as you arrive at the festival, an hour ahead of the time you arrive. That should work well.

Reindeer racing - don’t put your younger kids through the ordeal of losing against much older kids, just let them watch.

The “smelly hanger” decorations are superb!

Altogether, for me and Sam, a Good but not Great visit. I think this festival is most suited to young couples in love, this will be fantastic in that situation.

Marks out of ten?

Today? 6.

When it’s all up and running? 8 or 9 if you’re a loved up couple.

Thanks Sandringham.

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