Sparkling Christmas tree delight in Whitianga

The beautiful tree will sparkle into the night this festive season bringing joy and good cheer while beaming out a message of hope. 

Left: Dad brought sons Kip (in the Santa coat) and Raffi Summer  along to enjoy the festivities. 

Centre: Mercury Bays Lions vice president Barb Nippert (left) and president  Jill Bowker take a moment to ask Santa to grant a wish for lots of donations towards Project Mammogram. 

Right: Giant Christmas tree by night. 

Music all part of the festivities

Thames Coromandel District Council mayor, Len Salt and the Mercury Bay Dixieland Band got the party swinging, followed by Christmas sounds ringing out from the CFM team. Then a gentle hush moved across the crowd as words of the meaning of Christmas were spoken and the season of goodwill was blessed with a prayer for everyone near and far.

Left: TCDC Mayor Len Salt performs as part of the festivities on the banjo. 

Middle: Jason Myatt in his element as a Christmas elf.

Right: Three year-old Noah Osborne, with his mum, Michelle was quite dazzled with the pretty lights.

Fundraising for Project Mammogram

This year the money raised by the Whitianga Lions and Mercury Bay Lions from photos with Santa, a sausage sizzle, Lions Christmas Cakes sales and a raffle at the tree lighting evening will go to Project Mammogram. The goal is $350,000 for a 3D mammogram unit for the Coromandel region; the aim – early detection for better outcomes.

The Lions sizzler team (left to right) David Maconghie,Dayle Baker, Gilly and Colin Needham were doing a roaring trade.