News
21 December, 2023
Esk tree lights up
Pipeliner Park was abuzz on the night of Saturday, December 2, as locals and visitors gathered for the ‘Light Up Esk’ event.
Conditions were perfect as the community came together to enjoy the lighting of the Christmas community tree.
A lot of people came in their best Christmas clothes for the occasion, with Patty Jaenke donning an eye-catching handmade outfit.
At 7pm, the attendees gathered around the seven-metre-tall tree for a count down before the switch was flicked to make the tree shine in the dark. One of the event organisers, Toni Skott, said the tree made her heart “so full with community pride”.
“It is the community who has helped raise funds for this amazing structure,” she said.
“This is on a timer and everyone is encouraged to pop down to Memorial Park and enjoy the lights of the tree throughout the Christmas period.
“There were so many beautiful highlights...with all of the community coming together and celebrating being a community.”
Santa arrived by fire truck and delighted children and adults alike, giving candy canes to the youngsters.
Plenty of people had photos taken with Santa, all while spreading the Christmas cheer.
The wheel spins proved popular as 10 hams, 10 chickens and 10 candy canes were up for grabs, with Somerset Deputy Mayor, Helen Brieschke, and fellow councillors Kylee Isidro, Jason Wendt and Sean Choat selling tickets.
The lantern workshop was held in conjunction with Esk State School, with Toni saying “a beautiful display of children’s artwork was very welcomed”.
“There were also some craft workshops running, so children could decorate snowmen and take (them) home on the night,” she said.
Singing was also prominent, with Toni saying Candi K was very popular as she “killed it with so much singing and dancing
