Christmas in Medowie will be bigger than ever this year with the annual carols organised by Williamtown Rotary club transformed into a carnival that is hoped to become a flagship event for the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lisa Taylor, a spokesperson for the new-look Medowie Christmas Carnival, said the foundations of the long-running carols had been built upon this year to create a much larger event.
“Medowie Christmas Carnival’s foundation has been built on the strength of community engagement and the dedication of volunteers who have pooled their experience and professional skills to deliver an event worthy of our audience,” she said.
“A not-for-profit event on this scale helps build trust and community outreach; connects people and resources, develops new leaders and creates opportunities for cooperative learning experiences.
“[The] carnival is community funded with businesses, community groups and individuals investing in the families who live, work and play in our community via sponsorship, fundraising, stallholder fees, and community donations.
“We encourage families and their friends to bring a picnic blanket, relax and enjoy live entertainment and immerse themselves in the festive community spirit as we celebrate the countdown to Christmas.”
The Medowie community has gathered for the annual Christmas event each year since 2003.
Pastor Wayne Mordue from Medowie Baptist Church was behind the event's inception and for each succeeding year before he died in 2012.
The event began as Carols in the Car Park with a small band playing on the back of a semi-trailer.
But after the crowd outgrew the Medowie Baptist Church, Medowie Primary School and the Pacific Dunes Golf Club it moved to the oval.
Each year, about 2000 people turn out to the community carols.
This year the Medowie Christmas Carnival will be held at Ferodale Sports Complex between 4pm and 9pm on Friday, December 7.
Entry into the Christmas carnival is free, made possible through the sponsorship of R & R Property. In the past, the carols have been a gold coin donation to enter.
The carnival will feature a range of children’s rides and amusements, artisan market stalls, gourmet food vendors, live music, giveaways, entertainment and activities involving schools, sport, dance, community groups and businesses.
The Newcastle 106.9 Hit Squad will host a pop-up party on the night, set up their Hit Chill Out Zone and engage families with games and competitions.
There will also be Christmas carols and a visit by Santa.
NBN News presenter Kate Haberfield is set to host the Medowie Christmas carols, which is being headlined by The Voice finalist and Port Stephens resident Anyerin Drury.
Mr Drury, who is also performing at the Nelson Bay community carols on December 9, said he is “excited” to be part of the Christmas carnival.
“I try and bring as much energy as I can to the stage,” he said.
“Being on The Voice, I’m used to performing to diverse audiences.
“This is nothing different. I’ll be performing a diverse range of songs, from traditional carols to some well-known Christmas songs.”
See more on the Medowie Christmas Carnival website.
RELATED READING
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
