By CAROLINE STRAINIG
CHRISTMAS is coming to the Hastings today – or at least Port Macquarie.
The festive fun kicks off this afternoon with a fun run followed by a street parade ending at Town Green, where there will be entertainment and activities.
Later in the evening, at around 8pm, the town Christmas tree will be officially switched on by mayor Peter Besseling.
Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Lisa Mcpherson said today’s events would mark the official start of the festive season in Port Macquarie.
“This is beginning of the Countdown to Christmas organised by the chamber and council and we are urging everyone to get in the spirit,” she said.
“Put on a Christmas hat or some tinsel and come on down to watch and be part of it.”
Mayor Peter Besseling also encouraged people to join in the fun.
“Christmas is a very special time of the year, and this event provides a great opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate and have some fun,” he said.
He encouraged people to bring a picnic rug or chair so they could settle in and enjoy the evening in comfort.
Events will kick off around 5.45pm with four Santa fun runs in Horton Street catering for children through to adults. Entries have already closed for this.
The Santa fun runs will be followed by the Christmas Street Parade along Horton Street, commencing on the corner of William Street and finishing at the Town Green.
Santa will be taking part in the parade on a vintage fire truck and will then take his place next to the Christmas tree for photographs.
There will be entertainment throughout the night on the Town Green with performances by the Sing Australia Choir, Port Macquarie Town Band, the Young Guns, F Sharp and the Wauchope Youth Theatre.
The lighting of the 12m Christmas tree at the corner of Horton and Clarence streets at about 8pm is always one of the highlights of the evening.
The fun will continue for business people next week, with a combined business networks fund-raising party next Thursday at Rydges in Port Macquarie. Donations for raffle prizes are invited, with all profits from the evening going to the Port Macquarie Soup Kitchen run by Ecumenical Care Service.
Business owners are also being invited to enter a ‘business spirit’ competition by dressing their business with a Christmas or holiday theme.
More information about tonight’s event is available at www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/christmas, or www.portchamber.com.au, where you can also find details of the business events.
