Bring your Santa sacks to fill with gifts and goodies from 5-9pm at Mount Isa Skate Park, and grab a delicious dinner from the food court set up in front of the Family Fun Park.

Now in its second year operating, the MICM committee decided to switch things up for the community this festive season, Vice President Necia Shonhan said.

“We wanted to do something special for the end of the year, a big bang. We’ve been thinking about it for a few years and just decided to do it,” Ms Shonhan said.

“I remember the Mount Isa Mines’ Christmas parties for the public, but they don’t do them anymore. We wanted to do something special for the community.”

More than 50 artists and artisans will line the path that snakes through the park, trading all kinds of handmade treasures; clothes, toys, edibles, candles, decorations, and art.

There will be a dedicated dining area by the park side food court, with a gazebo and plenty of seating.

Usually held once a month at the Overlander Hotel, MICM also supports stallholders by covering their insurance, Ms Shonhan said.

“Pensioners can’t afford these costs. Public liability costs around $200 individually, but if you come to one of our authorised markets we can cover you from as little as $10 a table,” she said.

Renovations to Mount Isa Skate Park were supposed to be finished in time for the markets, but work has been stalled. Still, there is ample room in the rest of the park for this unique twilight affair.

Mount Isa City Council will also extend the Family Fun Park opening hours, keeping the fun water features on until 9pm.