Christmas tree tradition returns

AFTER a year off, the annual Christmas tree decorating competition is returning to Buninyong’s festive pop-up shop at the town hall.

The idea is simple, pick up a pallet Christmas tree made by the town’s Men’s Shed. Then decorate it and enter it for judging.

The winners get some great prizes and the trees go up for sale, with 20 per cent of the sale price going to the community run pop-up shop and the rest back to the creators.

With entries limited to 50 trees, co-organiser Brigid Corcoran said the event was open to professional and amateur artists as well as community groups.

“No creative rules apply,” she said. “So you can do whatever you like, everyone just has to use the same canvas, which is the tree.

“Because the starting point is the same it’s just so good how it ends up presenting itself as an exhibition.

“We’ve had professional artists who have brought their unique style, the local primary school, and kids enter.

“We’ve had some amazing ones in the past, things like cockatoos and awesome abstracts. Scotsburn Primary School did a fantastic one with spray painted beautiful summer grasses.”

With prizes from local businesses for first, second and third, the Christmas creations are judged by members of the town’s Men’s Shed and then go on display.

“It’s part of the Buninyong Pop-Up Shop, which will happen in December at the town hall,” Ms Corcoran said.

To take part and get hold of one of the limited number of trees contact 0409 954 283, or reach out via the Buninyong Pop-Up Shop Instagram page.