DESPITE many anticipated Christmas events forced to cancel their 2020 shows, a Waikerie Christmas group is determined to bring festive cheer to the town – and all locals can join in.
The Waikerie Christmas Decoration committee is calling for local groups, clubs, schools and other organisations to register for a 2.4m wooden 3D Christmas tree to decorate.
Committee spokesperson Donna Matthews said this year’s trees will focus on “lighting up” the event.
“We’ve learnt from our inaugural year, and this Christmas, we encourage everyone to consider using solar lighting on their trees, as the few trees that did last year were a stand out,” she said.
“We want to really make it a lit-up wonderland.”
Last year, over 100 Christmas trees were decorated by various Waikerie community groups, businesses and schools, and set up in Federation Park behind the Rain Moth Gallery.
Mrs Matthews said with COVID-19 putting a stop to many events, the trail has become “even more important” for the community.
“We hope to see a huge response so we can bring Christmas cheer to Waikerie through the Christmas Tree Trail,” she said.
“Trees are open to businesses, community groups and education centres and schools in the Waikerie area to register for and decorate.
“Letters are being sent out to last year’s recipients and we look forward to their responses via the email address supplied.”
Trees are limited and Mrs Matthews said they will be allocated to “first in, best dressed” groups.
“Any interested groups new to the project can contact me directly to register,” she said.
“The project has been made possible through the ongoing support of the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.
“The Waikerie Christmas Decoration committee is grateful once again to the Rotary Club of Waikerie for all their assistance and the community works program at the Cadell Training Centre, and the boys will be back to help us set up on delivery day.
“I’d like to especially thank our small Waikerie Christmas committee, who volunteer many hours to our various projects, and also to Sue Schutz and Councillor Clive Matthews from DCLW.
“We are excited to make this project a wonderful community event once again.”
Registrations are open until Friday, September 25.
The trees will be delivered from Monday, October 12, and must be brought to Federation Park on Monday, November 23.
For more information or to register for a tree, email waikeriechristmascommittee@gmail.com