As the end of the year approaches, Ararat Rural City is embracing the festive season with a variety of Christmas decorations and community events.
Festive flags and a selection of festive-themed decorations have begun to appear along Barkly Street in Ararat. Christmas trees and an array of other Christmas-themed decorations will also be installed across the municipality this week.
There will be several festive activities taking place on Friday 6 December, starting with the annual We Love Ararat event happening on Barkly Street from 9am - 4.30pm. Hosted by Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser, this all-day shopping event aims to encourage the community to shop locally. Participating retailers will be offering a variety of deals and discounts, and The Weekly Advertiser, 3WM and MIXX FM street team will be broadcasting live on MIXX FM on the day.
The inaugural Ararat Christmas Market will kick off later in the afternoon, with market stalls and food vendors confirmed and prepped to set up their wares at Ararat Town Hall from 4pm to 7 pm on Friday, as well as on Saturday 7 December, from 10am - 2pm.
Attendees can grab a bite while they explore the market, which will include a variety of handmade crafts and unique Christmas gifts, as well as some of our best local winemakers offering free tastings and bottles for sale. The official lighting of Ararat's iconic Christmas tree on the corner of Vincent and High Streets will also take place that evening.
To end the day's festivities, the annual Ararat Carols by Candlelight will be held at Alexandra Gardens. Attendees are welcome to join from 6.30pm for a BBQ, followed by Christmas Carols from 7pm. Hosted by the Ararat Y's Menettes Club, the evening event will also include free face painting, a visit from Santa, and a finale of fireworks.
"Seeing the Christmas decorations be put up throughout the municipality gives you a true sense of holiday spirit. We're really looking forward to seeing our community come together to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses and organisations" says Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council, Cr Jo Armstrong.
Over the Christmas and new year period, some council services may be unavailable or have varied closures, while others will operate as usual.
