ISLAND CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS STUFF
The Christmas season will be celebrated right across the islands this December.
It will all get underway with the annual Lions Christmas Float Parade and Markets on Saturday, December 3 on Macleay Island.
Island businesses and organisations will be represented with floats, colourful vehicles and lots of fun.
It will start from the Macleay Island State School car park and flow all the way to the Community Hall on the island.
The parade will be followed by the Lions Markets at the Macleay Island Community Hall precinct.
The annual Christmas Singalong by the Russell Island Singers will again be held on Friday 16th December 7pm at St Peter’s Hall, Russell Island. Residents of all islands are invited. Bring your children and enjoy the Christmas Festive Spirit!
This will all lead up to the Christmas Carols and the Robert Street Markets on Sunday, December 18.
Not an evening event this year, the markets and Christmas fun will start at 8.30am and run until 12.30pm
The Christmas entertainment will start from 9am with some great musical performers.
It is all to be held at the Resilience Centre grounds adjacent to RICARTS and the Community Gardens on Russell Island.
Island children will be able to have their own photo with Santa Claus from 9am at a small cost of $2 per child or $5 per family of 3 children or more.
There will also be artisan stalls, trash and treasure. Bring a plan ket to sing-a-long to your favourite Christmas Carols.
If you wish to have a stall on the day please call 0466 330 477
MONICA STEWART HAVING CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON MACLEAY ISLAND FOR LONELY NEIGHBOURS
“Neighbours looking after each other, that’s what it is all about.”
The speaker is Monica Stewart from Macleay Island.
She is organising a Christmas Joy Launch on Christmas Day, and she wants to invite anyone or everyone who might like some company of friends for Christmas Day lunch!.
No matter that Monica is 81-years-young!
She is carrying on from the luncheon idea she started in 2019, before the Covid Pandemic and lockdowns put an end to it all.
Now she is is back up and running and she is holding the Christmas Joy Lunch this year at Curlew Cove, the dynamic centre attached to the Bay Island Early Learning Centre.
Monica believes islanders are ‘great’ at looking out for one another.
“That’s why I want to make sure that islanders living on their own on Macleay Island, who are unable to prepare their own Christmas meal, get one with all the trimmings,” Monica said.
Fortunately, Monica is not doing it all on her own.
She has a group of about 10 volunteers who will be helping with the preparing of meals and helping out on the day.
And for those who can’t make it to Curlew Curve (or be picked up) Monica will make sure that you receive your meal at you home!
It can’t get much better than that, can it?”
Monica is still in need of some more help.
1. Perhaps you could invite one or two guests to share a meal at home with you;
2. You may be able to contribute food or drinks or some money towards the day
3. More ‘Boots on Ground’ people are required to help decorate the venue and set up tables from Friday, December 23, or be part of the ‘clean up’ crew on Monday the 26th December.
If you can assist with any of these roles, please give Monica a ring on 0479 077 563.
TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST
Tickets are now on sale for Redland City Council’s annual festive celebration Christmas on the Coast to be held from 14 to 18 December at Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the community event would be packed with activities to help the whole family get into the Christmas spirit.
“This five-day yuletide event has proven very popular with Redlands Coast residents for the past two years, and Council is excited to be presenting it once again this year,” Cr Williams said.
“Each night from 4.30pm to 9pm will be packed with an exciting program including live stage performances by some of Redlands Coast’s talented singers and entertainers.
“There will be Christmas carols, roving performers, free face painting, a rock climbing wall, toboggan slide, inflatable obstacle courses, animal farm and other activities for children, food trucks, market stalls and free family photos with Santa.
“There will also be a countdown for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree each night from 6.45pm, followed by a Christmas movie on the big screen from 7.30pm.”
Christmas on the Coast is a ticketed event, with tickets available now via Council’s website.
“Bookings are essential as each night is limited to 2500 people,” Cr Williams said.
“Tickets are only $5 per person, with children 12 years and under free, and each ticket includes free train travel to and from the event.
“Proceeds from ticket sales will go to local community organisations in desperate need of financial support, such as domestic and family violence support services.”
Festive films to screen during Christmas on the Coast are:
Wednesday 14 December – Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Thursday 15 December – Elliot the Littlest Reindeer
Friday 16 December – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Saturday 17 December – The Santa Clause
Sunday 18 December – The Polar Express
More information on nightly performers and entertainment will be released closer to the event.