Last century, there was a tradition of carols and picnics on the lawns at the Phoenix, followed by a walk together down to the enormous pine tree at the front of the Bowraville Central School.

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Lights throughout the tree would be ceremoniously lit and continue to shine for the coming weeks.

The tree was visible from many nearby areas throughout the festive season.

“This lapsed when the crowds became too big, and insurance became an issue,” Philida Hartley, one of the event’s organisers, explained to News Of The Area.

For some years then there was a movie for children in the theatre, a party in Grants Hall, jumping castles or other such attractions in the main street with a visit by Santa in the Bowra Fire Engine.

There were market stalls and fun for all.

Remembering these wonderful community gatherings, this year Kerrie Savins at the Pharmacy started the process of developing a carols event at the school for the community.

Jimmies, the choir from the St James Anglican Church, then got involved.

Others expressed interest in having stalls and the Bowraville Chamber of Commerce and the Bowraville Technology Centre agreed to facilitate.

The event was moved to the main street and began to take shape.

The local Lions Club has offered to be a sponsor and last Thursday, the Nambucca Valley Council approved the closure to traffic of High Street from the School to the Phoenix Gallery.

Council has also donated $500 and the Bowraville Community Development Association Inc has donated $100 to support the event.

Local business Fortade is contributing their services for the street closure.

The Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Services are supplying a jumping castle, candy floss, popcorn, face-painters and more.

This has been facilitated by the Bowraville Local Aboriginal Lands Council.

These fantastic donations will be complemented by local stalls including food, school displays and much more.

The Grants Hall will offer activities for children organised by the Jaanymili Bawrrungga Inc Youth Hub.

The Community Centre at 70 High Street will offer a cafe and feature an inspiring exhibition entitled ‘Defiant Hope’ aimed at inspiring all towards a positive future.

At the top of the street the Phoenix Gallery and cafe will be open as will the other food outlets in town, many with special offers for the party.

Bowra Hotel will be open as usual with live music from 7pm.

The Party will start at 4pm with stalls and activities in the street.

From 5pm there will be live entertainment.

At 6pm will be the Welcome to Country by local Aboriginal Elders followed by an opening of the festival by Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban.

After this, the Bowraville Theatre Singers will take centre stage, and as long as it’s not needed elsewhere, the fire engine will play reindeer and sleigh to Santa.

From 7pm there will be live music performances including carols from various local musicians and wrapping up the event by 9pm.

“This festival represents a wonderful coming together of diverse groups in our town to create an event to remember for all,” said Philida.

By Ned COWIE