NEW Norfolk’s popular Christmas Parade has been cancelled for a second year in a row due to the difficulties surrounding Covid restrictions.

Rotary New Norfolk announced the news saying it was a difficult decision for the club. However, Christmas celebrations in the form of Carols in the Park will proceed, ensuring the public can get into the Yuletide sprit.

After being cancelled last year, Lions New Norfolk will host the event on Friday, December 10, on The Esplanade.

The Derwent Valley Concert Band is preparing the music plan and the Lions Club is looking to book entertainment.

Although disappointed it could not host the Christmas Parade, Rotary has a festive program planned.

“Happily, we’ll still be running our annual 12 Days of Christmas Raffle, and a special activity for kids (to be announced soon),’’ a club spokesperson said.
“A number of community groups, including Rotary, are working with Derwent Valley Council to plan Christmas activities that will more easily comply with current restrictions.
“This was a very difficult decision for the club, but in reality we’re unable to confidently run such a large event and comply with the Covid-19 Safe Events Framework.
“To do so would require a huge volunteer effort, and even if we were able to pull enough people together, the management and coordination is beyond our capacity. “Sorry to everyone who has been looking forward to the Parade after last year’s cancellation – we’ll be crossing our fingers to be able to return next year, and we’ll be making it one to remember.’’

On Thursday, the Derwent Valley Council will meet to discuss among other things what it can do to support Christmas festivities in December.

Among the recommendations is a blanket waiver on facility fees in December for Christmas focussed events that are free to the public.

It will consider providing $5000 to Lions to assist with the cost of hiring sound, lighting and staging equipment.

Christmas banners for the New Norfolk CBD will be installed and a Community Christmas Calendar will be prepared.

The New Norfolk Business Alliance will help fund CBD decoration and Santa’s House.

Council will also discuss again making its Chamber the drop off centre for donations to the Salvo’s Giving Tree.

Carols find their voice again

DUST off your tinsel, have your Santa hats ready and prepare for a night of family fun, music and song in a beautiful setting on Friday, December 10, at the Esplanade.

The Lions Club of New Norfolk will once again organise the Lions Carols in the Park. Club President Kerry Kievit said that the event will be a little different this year.

“We are looking forward to creating a safe, family event at the Esplanade,” she said. “At the moment, the Derwent Valley Concert Band is preparing the music program. Our club is working to secure local sponsorship, book entertainment including, we hope, some kids’ activities, organise food to be available for sale and check when Santa will arrive.
“Carols in the Park 2021 will include most of the things that people love about this event but they might be done a little differently.
“For example, this year although it will be a free community event anyone who wants to attend will need to book a ticket.

Details are on our club’s Facebook page.

So let your family and friends know and we’ll see you there!