By Mikayla van Loon
It’s time to prepare the vocal chords and practice your favourite Christmas carols as communities come together for a night of festive cheer.
Mooroolbark’s Community Carols in Hookey Park are returning on Friday 6 December, while Lilydale’s Carols in the Park will be hosted in Melba Park on Saturday 14 December.
In a very special addition to the Lilydale carols this year, it will coincide with the official launch of the Lilydale Outdoor Pool’s season with a pool party occurring throughout the evening.
Boasting free entry and inflatables, it will hopefully be the perfect way to cool off before the carols begin at 5.30pm.
The Lilydale Township Action Group also hopes to host a Christmas film screening after the carols conclude at 8pm, as long as the weather holds up.
The event will feature cover band Party Pack who will provide all the sing alongs required, Santa will visit to see the little ones and a sausage sizzle, snacks and drinks all provided.
It’s the perfect family friendly night out.
In Mooroolbark, preparations are very much underway, with almost every group, club and school pitching in to help their hosts, the Croydon Mooroolbark Lions Club.
Secretary Margaret Haines said there will be six schools, including Ruskin Park, St Richard’s, St Peter Julian Eymard, Croydon, Lilydale and Pembroke Primary Schools, the Mooroolbark Community Choir and the Croydon Brass Band all performing.
The Scouts and Girl Guides will also be supporting the event through the cooking of a sausage sizzle and popcorn respectively, while the Lions Club will be selling their famous, locally made Christmas cakes as well as programs and candles.
“Every dollar that we are able to attain goes back to the community in many different ways,” Ms Haines said.
“The whole idea is obviously celebrating Christmas within the community and coming together with friends and family to just have a nice, relaxed evening. And you can’t beat carols for bringing on that Christmas spirit.”
Mooroolbark’s carols get underway at 7pm, with food and drinks available from 6.30pm. Santa will also be making a stop here too.
To continue supporting the Lions Club, they will be selling their Christmas cakes on Fridays and Saturdays at Croydon Central and on Sundays at Bunnings between now and Christmas.
Also, don’t miss spotting the Lilydale Township Action Group’s Christmas decorations which were placed around town on the weekend.
