The sound of carols and Christmas cheer will ring out through the Outback this weekend when the friendly heart of the North West kicks off its massive Christmas celebration.
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Preparations for the Cloncurry Christmas Festival were given their final touches this weekend to inject a little Christmas spirit into the country town.
The shire’s 17-foot Christmas tree will light up in the Cloncurry Community Precinct courtyard tonight, illuminating the street market stalls and creating the perfect welcome for Santa’s visit on his sleigh.
Cloncurry Shire Council community development manager Karen Elphick said Cloncurry has held an annual Christmas celebration for the past four years, but this year’s bash was the biggest by far.
“With a few new agencies on board we can give more back to the community,” she said.
“It’s important to celebrate every year but this year being the year it’s been, it’s more important than ever to get the community together for a laugh and a smile.”
Dajarra will also get a taste of Cloncurry’s Christmas entertainment when performer Danny Simony heads down with council staff to hold a second celebration for the remote town.
“The kids don’t get as much as those in the big centres so they fully absorb it and are the biggest fans,” Mrs Elphick said.
“That’s what Christmas is all about - giving to everyone.”
Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels said the no that the town had experienced its first bit of rain, it would be nice to get together with family and friends and have a good time.
“On behalf of everyone in Cloncurry, I would like to thank major sponsors Max Employment, CopperChem Limited, MMG, Oz E Cool, Cloncurry Men’s Shed, Hot FM, Jenagar, Ernest Henry Mining, Cloncurry PCYC and WorkPac Industrial,” he said.
“Without them a big do like this would not be possible.”
The Cloncurry Christmas Festival will begin tonight at 5pm with night markets, a free barbecue and roving entertainment in Scarr Street and continue all weekend.