Festive fare
Members of the Cambridge Christmas Festival Society were hard at work at the Cambridge Town Hall last week putting the final touches on displays for this year’s Cambridge Christmas Festival ahead of Friday night’s opening.
Society president Deb Robinson says the annual event is now in its 16th year at the venue, and is more popular that ever.
For the first time the society held an invite only wine and cheese opening on Friday night ahead of the two week event — a way of thanking all the sponsors and supporters.
Each year society members begin weekly meetings on a Tuesday morning to get ready for that year’s festival.
As well as planning the displays, members make Christmas goodies that are for sale in the Christmas Shop.
Deb says they also buy in product, but try and make sure about about half is locally crafted.
Another feature is the tearooms, with traditional morning and afternoon tea fare — available all day.
The Cambridge Christmas Festival was opened to the public on Saturday and for the first week (December 1-8) hours are 10am until 6pm.
In the second week, from December 9-16 closing is extended until 8.30pm.
On the weekends Santa takes time out from his busy schedule to meet the children who visit the festival.
There is also entertainment most days.
Local and nearby school, community and church choirs perform at 11am and 2pm weekdays, as well as some weekends.
There is evening entertainment (7.30pm) from Riverside Ukulele Band (December 9), Waikato Rivertones (December 10), Mosaic Waikato Modern Choir (December 11), Cambridge Brass Band (December 12) and Bruised Brothers (December 16).
For more details of the Cambridge Christmas Festival, including a schedule of entertainment, check the society’s Facebook page.