The Rotary Club of Forbes Impomea hosted its annual Christmas Tree Festival over the weekend with many people calling in to the Town Hall to peruse the wonderfully creative trees on display. Now in its 5th year the festival attracted 92 entries, a number that has been steadily increasing since the 50 they received in their first year.
Organisers of the event were pleased, once again, with the support of the community and were excited by the new entries they received this year. “There has been an increase in the number of families who submitted trees this year” Sueanne Nixon said which is a great contrast to the many regular businesses, schools and community groups that have supported the festival since the very first year.
News On Rankin, who have entered each year, were very enthusiastic again this year accepting the invitation to attend within the first 24 hours and were the first to set up their entry for the year. Sueanne made special mention of Forbes North Public School, who have always been strong supporters of the event, this year an entry was received from every class at the school as well as an entry from the school’s Principal, Steve McAlister. Every entry was
unique and shows great imagination.
Along with regular visitors to the event, many Vanfest visitors called in to take a look at the wonderful display. Many commented on what a great town Forbes is and that the Tree Festival and Christmas Markets were excellent adding something extra to the whole weekend and making their stay more enjoyable.
Rotary Club of Forbes Impomea meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00am for breakfast at the Plainsman Motel and welcome new members at every opportunity. The group raise valuable funds which support many local projects each year including:
An Agricultural cropping and cotton growing program for students at Forbes High School and Red Bend College, Can Assist, Havannah House, Salvation Army, St Vincents De Paul, Church in the School Yard, Awards for local school presentation assemblies, John Flynn Remote Medicine – support for trainee doctors in Forbes, Polio Plus as well as other local appeals. A special project they are currently working on is to raise funds to support a dollar for dollar grant to purchase and install seating around the new section of the walking track around our beautiful lake.
Organisers wanted to thank the local community for their continued support of the Christmas Tree Festival and in particular Forbes Shire Council for providing a wonderful venue to house this magnificent display.