The Australian Red Cross Christmas tree display is twenty-three years old this year and over all the years has been delighting Glen Innes residents and visitors alike. I asked Margaret Kiehne, President of the Glen Innes Red Cross branch, where the idea originally came from. She said it was filched from the Muswellbrook branch, and while their event didn’t make the distance, the Glen Innes iteration has kept going from strength to strength.
The display already has twenty-five entrants and organisers hope to exceed last year’s total of sixty-two. There is no fee to enter, and schools, businesses and individuals are encouraged to bring their best dressed trees along to the Glen Innes Town hall on the 29th of November from 9am onwards. The event will start after the annual Christmas markets and continue until 7th of December.
There is a $3 fee for visiting the display. But bring some extra cash for the voting tickets – all visitors get the chance to vote for their favourite tree – and for the raffle. All the prizes for the raffle and for the winning entrants have been donated by community minded organisations.
There are a couple of additional treats this year. The high school students will be decorating the stage, and as another highlight, there will be carol singers on the opening night.
If you haven’t been to the Christmas tree display before, you’re in for a treat, and if you’ve been a regular over the years, you’re sure to be entertained and delighted as always.
