THE festive season is quickly approaching with Millicent Lights Up scheduled for November 25.
The Millicent Business Community Association has once again arranged a special welcome for Father Christmas from 6pm at the rotunda at the Millicent Parklands.
Children’s events include a jumping castle, mini golf, magician and service clubs providing food stalls, candles, music, along with the Scouts and Girl Guides hosting games.
MBCA president Lee Morgan said the members of his organisation were keen to make the Lights Up event an ongoing success.
Mr Morgan is hopeful new LED lighting will be installed in George Street in the coming week.
“From the business and community perspective, the Lights Up celebration is the key community event for the festive season in Millicent,” Mr Morgan said.
“Based on the feedback to Wattle Range Council and the MBCA, the former Christmas Eve street party event was challenged for several reasons.
“Volunteer groups were reluctant to assist.
“Christmas is a family event and many travel away from Millicent at this time of the year to catch-up with families.
“There was a difficulty for council staff to organise with street closures and the end of the traditional business period provides limited opportunities to encourage people to
support local businesses.
“At Christmas Eve, the hotels and eateries are busy with their own business at this time.”
But after not being held in 2013/15, Mr Morgan is confident the yearly Millicent Lights Up event will continue well into the future.
“There is a groundswell of support to possibly expand this event in future years,” he said.
“It may possibly be held on a weeknight where local street businesses and schools can make this a truly family-friendly community event to signal the start of the festive and business season.”
