23 December 2025

Cool heads at Wagga battery store ensure show goes on for Frosty and Rudolph

| By Jarryd Rowley
Start the conversation
man with an inflatable snowman

Frosty the Snowman required last-minute surgery before making it on stage at the Carols by Candlelight. Photo: Supplied.

This year’s Wagga Wagga Carols by Candlelight proved that not all heroes wear capes, with local man Richard Weeden ensuring that Frosty the Snowman stayed cool and Rudolph’s nose shone bright.

In the lead-up to the seasonal event, the two mascots were left struggling when battery packs used to keep them upright weren’t up to scratch.

With Frosty and Rudolph being special guests for this year’s Carols by Candlelight, it was important that the pair looked their best.

While the two costumed characters arrived just in time for the carols, there were concerns that the battery packs in the outfits wouldn’t be safe enough in their original form and required lithium-ion batteries.

READ ALSO Supreme Court closes DNA case on Wagga woman’s murder as next legal move looms

Luckily for the carols, Frosty and Rudolph, the team at Battery World Wagga Wagga was able to rewire the costumes and ensure they didn’t miss the show.

“Christmas is all about joy,” Battery World’s Himanshu Rawal said.

“We like to spread cheer, smiles and goodwill every day in-store, but this was something we didn’t expect.”

Frosty and Rudolph were put under the microscope by Battery World Wagga Wagga store manager Richard Weeden.

Mr Weeden, who has a long history with and knowledge of batteries, was able to quickly fix their battery packs so the pair could hit centre stage safely and brightly.

He even tested his handiwork in-store, ensuring the costumes inflated and the built-in fans kicked in to keep the occupants cool.

He rewired the costumes and connected several lead-acid batteries to make Frosty cool again and return Rudolph’s red nose.

“When we saw how great Frosty and Rudolph looked on stage, we knew we’d brought the community a bit of happiness,” Mr Rawal said.

READ ALSO Parkins rejects ex-Wagga councillors' conflict-of-interest claims on renewable energy

Mr Rawal said he and the team at Battery World had felt the Christmas spirit this festive season and looked to give it forward.

“We also gave away 1000 battery-powered candles to local charities, schools, churches and our customers,” Mr Rawal said with a smile.

“A lady across the road has four kids, and we gave them each a candle. Now, every time they see me, they smile and wave and call me ‘the candle man’.

“I always say your customers are your brand ambassadors. If they leave here happy, they will tell people, and they become your brand.

“I’d like to wish all our customers, and Wagga Wagga, a happy Christmas and New Year.”

Free, trusted, local news, direct to your inbox

Keep up-to-date with what's happening around the Riverina by signing up for our free daily newsletter, delivered direct to your inbox.
Loading
By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Riverina news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riverina stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.