By JESSE GRAHAM
THE streets of Healesville are set to be filled with Christmas festivities as the annual Community Christmas Festival comes around again.
The main street area from Green Street to Church Street will be closed off for the festival, which will run from 4-7pm on Friday 20 December.
A huge range of activities will be available for children at the event, with face-painting, pony rides, clowns, balloonists, a jumping castle and even a visit from the man himself – Santa Claus.
To add to the festive atmosphere and to cater for last-minute shoppers, a number of traders in Healesville’s main shopping strip will be opening their doors later for the festival’s visitors.
Last year’s event drew a large number of community members to the festival, with the main street packed until the festival wound up.
Healesville Chamber of Commerce member and organiser of the Christmas festival Lisa Hennessy said that this year’s festival has been six months in the making.
“It’s a really important event,” she said.
Healesville Chamber of Commerce president Graham Taylor said the event will be a great time for kids who would have finished up their school year and would be eagerly anticipating Christmas.
“It’s all about family entertainment, the community coming together and just celebrating the joy of Christmas,” he said.
“There will be an afternoon of events leading into a great night of last-minute shopping.
“The event has grown so much over the years and is now a significant part of our calendar – I’m really looking forward to it.”
Fairy floss and popcorn will be available on the evening, with a number of other events and activities taking place.
The Healesville Community Christmas Festival will be held from 4-7pm along the Maroondah Highway between Green Street and Church Street on Friday 20 December.
