The grass is mowed and looking a picture, the weather reports are all favourable and the performers are rehearsed and ready to go.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And all across the Cessnock LGA, elves are busy preparing to hit a Guinness World Record for six.
The Great Cessnock Christmas Elf Challenge returns to Baddeley Park this Friday, followed by Cessnock City Council’s annual Carols in the Park extravaganza.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said this is a fantastic event for the entire community.
“It is very special to be able to celebrate the festive season as a community and a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends enjoying great entertainment,” Cr Pynsent said.
The festive fun will kick off at 4.30pm with the Funky Junk Flea Markets, providing some great Christmas shopping opportunities.
The Elf Challenge count will begin at 6.15pm.
After falling shy of breaking the world record for having the most people dressed as Christmas elves congregated in one place last year, Project Cessnock will be attempting to break the record one last time.
Project Cessnock coordinator Nicole Spears said they are asking all of the community to get involved in the spirit of Christmas and help break the record of 1762 people (which was set in Thailand in 2014).
Anyone wishing to participate will need to download a ticket, print it out and bring it along on the night in order for the organisers to verify the numbers.
Prizes for best dressed elves will be on offer, courtesy of Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, East Cessnock Bowling Club and Ink Cafe.
The Christmas carols will start at 6.30pm and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 7.30pm.
Country music star and local resident Tara Naysmith will once again be the MC for the Carols, with performances by Santa’s Little Helpers (a 14-piece big band under the direction of Greg Paterson), the Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools Combined Choir, Rachel Davies, Rebecca Fitsimmons, Alana Wilson, Luke Baker and Chris Maxfield.
The show will conclude with fireworks at 8.30pm.
How to be part of the world record attempt
- Download your FREE ticket from www.stickytickets.com.au/44825
- Print your ticket out and bring it with you (if you don’t have a printer, head into East Cessnock Bowling Club and they will print out your tickets for you)
- Wear an elf hat and ears and a red or green shirt with a contrasting elf collar
- Be at Baddeley Park sportsground in Vincent Street, Cessnock by 6.15pm on Friday, December 2 to be included in the count
Need help with your costume?
Cessnock Library will hold an elf workshop on Thursday, December 1 at 4pm.
Bring along your red or green T-shirt to decorate.
Places at the workshop are limited; so call the library on 4993 4399 to book your spot.
Elf hats can be bought East Cessnock Bowling Club, LJ Hooker, Cessnock Memo and Art and West Cessnock Newsagency for $5 each, with 100 percent of profits going to Jodie's Place.
See photos from the 2015 Great Cessnock Christmas Elf Challenge and Carols in the Park in the gallery below.