To ring in the most wonderful time of the year, the community is invited to the inaugural lighting of a new 8-metre-tall Christmas tree located in Civic Park.
The recently procured tree will shine brightly with hundreds of festive lights each night throughout the holiday season. Located near the corner of Albert Street and Civic Place, the Christmas tree will be visible from Albert Street and the West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt.
A free community celebratory event to officially light the giant tree is marked for the evening of Friday 5 December. The first of its kind locally, the tree lighting event aims to bring the community together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
The event will follow on from the West Gippsland Arts Centre's first Forecourt Friday of the season – a free family friendly event kicking off at 5.15pm at the Arts Centre forecourt area featuring live music and activities for all ages.
At 8.15 pm the tree lighting ceremony will commence ahead of the exciting moment when the giant Christmas tree bursts to life with sparkling lights for the first time.
The lighting of the tree will take place at twilight, at approximately 8.45pm, with Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Kate Wilson to lead the inaugural count down.
"Christmas is a special time of year to unite in friendship, reflection, hope and celebration. Community events like this are an important part of what makes Baw Baw a great place to live," said the Mayor.
"We warmly invite the community to join in the fun as we light up the tree for the very first time."
Deputy Mayor Cr Suzanne Allen was integral in bringing the idea of the giant tree to life.
"Our hope is that this tree brings Christmas cheer to all who see it. We also want to start a new and much-loved community tradition to enjoy together each year, for many years to come. Let's make this a night to remember!", said Cr Allen.
Additionally, Cr Allen reminds the community of the importance of supporting local businesses this Christmas.
"As well as Christmas cheer, we also hope the tree serves as a reminder to support the many local businesses across our Shire. These businesses are the cornerstone of our community and make us who we are, so whether it's Christmas shopping or end-of-year celebrations, please choose local where you can."
Following the lighting event, the Christmas tree will remain on display until the end of December.
Residents and families are encouraged to visit and gather around the tree throughout the festive season.
Installation will commence shortly, Council asks the community for patience and cooperation during installation and throughout the lighting event.
Given this is the inaugural event, there will be no traffic management and event space is limited to the grassed area surrounding the tree. Attendees are urged to navigate the area with caution, stick to paths and the official event area, and as always, use designated road crossings. Due to its proximity to the event, the gravel carpark on the corner of Albert Street and Civic Place will be closed to the public from 6am, Friday 5 December. The community is encouraged to find alternative parking in the nearby area.
