ON SATURDAY, 12 November the Casey Central Shopping Centre celebrated its fifth birthday.
When the centre opened in 2000 it was an immediate success and brought many shopping benefits to the Narre Warren South community for the first time.
The Saturday crowds were enthralled by the highlight of the birthday celebrations and a first for the centre, an on-stage children’s pantomime.
Called Toys Alive, the show featured the Toy Soldier, Fairy Bride and every child’s friend the Clown and involved lots of audience participation.
Other popular and free children’s treats were pony rides, a jumping castle, Harley-Davidson motorcycle rides and Scott the Magic Clown who performed magic tricks and balloon art.
But by far the most popular free activity was Lindy Lou face painter. Lindy with her very special theatrical designs had continual queues of children waiting to be ‘transformed’.
For parents the Radio Rhythm Jazz Band entertained all day with popular and jazz favourites.
Another must-stop spot at the birthday was the fundraising Lions Club sausage sizzle.
The Lions Club is a regular at the centre with visits on a Saturday once a month.
Casey Central Shopping Centre is on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South.