The much-loved Santos Best Dressed Town competition returned once again in 2022, with overall Gold awarded to the Adelaide hills town of Woodside. Silver and Bronze went to nearby Echunga and Lobethal respectively.
Further accolades including Best Dressed Venue was awarded to the Lobethal Bakery and Best Dressed Private Property went to the Gale residence.
Celebrating the Best Dressed Town since 1999, Events South Australia Executive Director, Hitaf Rasheed said towns have participated in the cycling tradition for decades, traditionally through the Santos Tour Down Under and for the last two years through the Santos Festival of Cycling.
“The Santos Best Dressed Town competition celebrated 23 years of cycling and community in 2022. The creativity showcased a proud sense of participation and support among South Australia’s regions for the cycling event,” Ms Rasheed said.
The competition was open to all towns, community and business venues, and private properties along every stage of the women’s and men’s race route
Decorations including yarn-bombed bicycles, hay-bale sculptures, hand-made posters, Santos bunting and banners at the local schools – community spirit at its finest.
Woodside Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said efforts of community members do not go unnoticed by the professional cycling teams who love the support and the atmosphere as they ride through regional South Australia.
“The community put in a mammoth effort with yarn bombed bicycles, banners and even teddy bear cyclists on display from one end of the township to the other,” said Mayor, Jan-Claire Wisdom.
“The community spirit that earned Woodside this win is what makes living, visiting and of course cycling in the Adelaide Hills so unique and enjoyable,” concluded Mayor, Jan-Claire Wisdom.
The Santos Best Dressed Town of Woodside was awarded $1,000 and prizes thanks to Peats Soil to be spent on a community involvement project or resources of the nominee’s choice.
Woodside town nominee, Barbara of Love Woodside SA said the nomination was to lift spirits of our community and help our area get back to some normality after the past two years of bushfire and COVID impacts.
“We love to get our community involved in creating and installing our decorations and showing them what can be done when you recycle, recreate and repurpose items,” said Barbara.
The prize will go towards helping us raise funds to help improve the Woody Trails BMX Park, where we hope to eventually build a shelter and bathroom facilities,” concluded Barbara.
