East Gippsland is preparing for a month filled with Christmas events, kicking off this weekend with the highly anticipated Bairnsdale Christmas Parade.
The magic of the festive season, brought to the community by the Bairnsdale Advertiser, the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Whelans Group, will grace Main Street on Saturday, December 6, starting at 11am.
With a theme of “Christmas Around the World,” more than 50 entrants have already been confirmed, promising a colourful spectacle for families.
A headline attraction for this year’s parade is the spectacular Golden Dragon, performed by the renowned Melbourne-based troupe, Dragon Dancers.
With over 30 years of experience since their formation in 1987, Dragon Dancers are recognised as one of the country’s most skilled lion dance troupes. Specialising in the authentic Hong Kong style, the ensemble – typically comprising 15 to 25 highly trained performers—will bring vibrant cultural expression to Main Street.
Spectators can expect a powerful performance combining dynamic movements with the rhythmic beat of drums, cymbals, and gongs, perfectly fitting the international theme of the parade.
The festive giving continues the following week with the return of the 19th annual Bairnsdale Toy Run on Sunday, December 14.
Motorcyclists from across the region will gather at the Bairnsdale Riverside Caravan Park to raise spirits and collect donations for those in need.
The day begins with an egg and bacon roll breakfast from 9am, before bikes assemble at 10.30am.
Following a briefing, the convoy will depart under police escort at 11am.
The route includes several stops for spectators to cheer on the riders:
– 11.25am – 11.40am: Bruthen (stop one)
– 12.05pm – 12.20pm: Nowa Nowa
(stop two)
– 12.45pm – 1pm: Kalimna Hotel (stop three)
Riders are scheduled to arrive back at the Bairnsdale Riverside Caravan Park at 1.45pm to present toys and gifts to the Salvation Army.
The afternoon will conclude with a sausage sizzle, a raffle draw at 2pm, and entertainment for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome to attend and all donations, big or small, are gratefully accepted.
