Counting down to Christmastime in Torquay

Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge encouraged people to get involved.

“Let’s light up our town and raise some funds for charities,” she said.

All Torquay and Jan Juc streets and homes can participate in the festivities.

A first gathering will be held on Tuesday November 12 from 5.30-6.30pm at the Salty Dog Cafe, to discuss how you and your neighbours can now participate in the ‘Christmastime in Torquay’s’ home and street charities.

‘Christmastime in Torquay’ representatives will show how to get you and your neighbours qualified in decorating to raise funds for not-for-profit charities.

The Quay Residents Association’s John De Witt said the event had grown significantly.

“‘Christmastime in the Quay’ began about 10 years ago in The Quay estate. Because of its success with residents, it has now officially grown into ‘Christmastime in Torquay’.”

The Quay will place brightly coloured holiday banners on its 200 street lamps, decorate a community Christmas tree at The Quay entrance roundabout and show outdoor driveway cinema holiday movies. Residents joining in decorating their homes and streets have a chance to win awards for their nominated charities.

“Merrijig Drive residents have already begun planning their ‘Merrijingle Drive’ spectacular,” The Dunes’ Kate Herford said.

Christmastime has been made possible through the generosity of Quay and Quay2 developer Intrapac Property and Torquay Community Enterprise.

The festival is seeking more sponsorship from local businesses for the event’s charity awards. In return, businesses will receive community recognition on multiple resident association Facebook pages and be included in local media coverage. Business sponsorship

begins at $100.

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Friday December 20 the fun begins with Santa bringing his elves. There will be children’s dancing, karaoke, a best dressed costume parade with prizes, a jumping castle, games, face painting, a bubble machine for some summertime snow, and best of all, a Christmas carol performance by spirited ‘Carolvanners’ and ‘One Spirit Africa’s’ drumming and dancing for kids and all.

For more information, search for “Christmastime in Torquay” on Facebook.