The 500 paying Santas, along with community donations, raised approximately $7000 for the Huskisson Bushfire Brigade and the SES.

Brenda van Heuzen, who was the mastermind behind the idea which started four years ago, was overwhelmed by the community support.

“When I picked 500 as a goal, I thought it was pie in the sky and not necessarily achievable,” she explained.

“I think the veteran Santas all brought their friends this time and everyone had a really great time.

“The community really got behind the event.”

The ride has exploded since last year when there were just 217 riders.

“It’s just going to get bigger and bigger,” Ms van Heuzen said.

“Maybe next year we will have to change a few things but it’s certainly going to be on again.”

The only hiccup during the evening was when a single policeman attempted to shut down the event because most participants weren’t wearing helmets.

“I had everything approved before the ride and unfortunately he wasn’t aware of this,” Ms van Heuzen explained.

“He acted very unprofessionally about the whole thing but I have contacted the commander and he will be looking into it.

“He said he thought the ride was a fantastic community event and he would love to see it continue.”

Old Erowal Bay resident Thel Forster, who had her husband and daughter riding in the event, said nothing would stop it from continuing in the future.

“It’s a fantastic family day and it’s great to see the looks on all the kids’ faces,” she said.