The Build Night Break Down: December!

by Lukas Mack

PerthLUG’s Buildapalooza Monday night was the biggest and best all year! If you missed it or are struggling to simply process it all then, as usual, I’ve got you covered with this holiday special edition of the Build Night/Break Down!

We must’ve been pushing a hundred attendees all up so thank goodness we came prepared with extra tables! Everyone was considerate about the space and despite record numbers and all the various happenings, we managed well. Thanks y’all.

Regarding happenings, as an extra special treat, Silvia surprised us all with box after box of festive doughnuts. The smiles a Santa-styled doughnut can bring is something pretty special ey? I get it – they were deeeeee-licious and not a single calorie I’m told…

Some say, even the Grinch made an appearance! This Grinch was also witnessed assertively presenting folks with bags of holiday candy. I’ve learned that this must’ve been a reformed Grinch since it appeared to me to have quite the heart and though reluctant, more than a tad of holiday spirit. The make-up, the outfit – amazing work Krista.

And it wasn’t just the Grinch handing out goodies. As is traditional with our monthly build nights, we had door prizes. For your $5 entry, this time round we had SO many prizes including the magnificent Icons Alpine Village and the festive pair of the Nutcracker and Gingerbread Ornaments. If those weren’t enough, kind donations from the lovely people that are Judy and Amy, brought the total to 7 (SEVEN!) door prizes. Added to the bundle was the little Landrover Defender, a full festive set of LEGO Store Build-A-Minifigures, and another Nutcracker & set of Gingerbread Ornaments.

Door Prize Winners!

1st: Kim (Alpine Lodge)
2nd: Julie (Gingerbread Ornaments) – Member absent
3rd: Hannah (Landrover Defender)
4th: Steve (Nutcracker) -Member absent
5th: Amy (Nutcracker) – Prize donated to Brickmas Appeal!
6th: Rachel (Festive Build A Minifigure set) – Member Absent
7th: Libby (Nutcracker) – Member absent

A big festive cheers and congratulations to all our winners! You might’ve noticed some of our winners weren’t present for the ‘Door Prize’. What’s that about I hear you ask? Well, PerthLUG offers a completely optional annual membership that not only earns you a discount to the year’s Buildapaloozas ($50 new member/$45 existing) it ALSO gives you some treats and perks like having your name thrown into the door prize raffle even if you can’t make it that particular evening. For four of our members last night, that perk really paid off for them. 2024 memberships are open now til the end of Feb *hint hint*

The giving goes the other way too and at this time of the year our community comes together for our annual Brickmas Appeal. This year we have formally partnered with CanTeen WA and as I write this, a literal carload packed to the gills with small Lego sets is on its way to kids and young people impacted by cancer. Above is just a portion of the donations we received last night. Your generosity Perth-people is incredible and be proud. Be very Proud.

Ah, we also did other actual Lego-y stuff last night. And just because it’s Christmas, don’t think Ben was going to let up on the awesome Parts Draft. To part out last night was the incredible Optimus Prime 10302 we reviewed a while back here. I can’t remember the last time I saw such an epic part out but it was quite the sight. The pics I have really don’t do it justice. It’s always an exciting event and a great opportunity to take home useful quantities of parts for your next creation but last night it was on another level. Check out our Facebook page for details on how you can participate.

Amongst all this festive fun last night, you may be forgiven for thinking there wasn’t all that much actual, you know, Lego building going on! Some people actually did manage to join a brick or two together and I caught a snap of Helen’s wonderful welcome display and Pam’s delightful Santa Sleigh. From across the room, Peter’s McLaren Formula 1 race car stood out to me – I loved all the functioning details made obvious by this design. Moving on, I noticed Robin nearing the end of the Space Shutte build and likewise, Andreas finishing up what seems to be a rather finicky Star Wars Inquisitor Sycthe starship. There were so many more I missed but so much fun roaming about and seeing what everyone was up to. Thanks for indulging me folks!

And finally, on behalf of the leadership team looking all awkwardly festive above, I’d like to thank every one of our members who have made Buildapalooza as big and bright as it is. Your continued support is what makes the Perth Lego community a delight to be a part of. I’d also like to make special mention of all the volunteers who put in so much behind the scenes to keep this group going and growing. We appreciate all the little and big big things you do. Thank you.

So, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all. Buildapalooza is back again next month. There’s no stopping this train! Come along on the second Monday, 8th January at our normal time and place; 7-11pm at John McGrath Pavilion off Hensman st, Como. We’ll see you in 2024!

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