Carols in full song

By Bridget Brady
The event will be held on 12 December at a new home at the Cranbourne Racecourse.
The Rotary Club of Cranbourne in July announced it would have to pull the pin on the event, which has a 40-year history in the town, due to escalating costs.
After the announcement, sponsorship and support came flooding in from City of Casey councillors, Villawood Homes and the three racing codes in Cranbourne, who united so the club could continue the free event.
Carols committee chairman for the Rotary Club of Cranbourne Peter Carpenter said generosity ensured the event continued.
“The committee is reinvigorated over all of this and we’ve got good support so we’re very pleased. The event needs community support if it’s going to have a future,” Mr Carpenter said.
Entertainment on the night will include performances by the Berwick Regional Band, teenager Caitlin Arnold who won the Nation Songwriting Competition at the Australian Children’s Music Festival, and The Wacky Company.
Local identity Dave Whalen will be the compere at the carols.
People are welcome to bring a picnic to the event, the Rotary club will provide a free sausage sizzle and the Cranbourne Turf Club will open its canteen.
Cranbourne CFA will attend and ensure Santa makes his appearance about 9pm.
Christmas hampers will be up for grabs when the club sells song books numbered to enter a raffle.
Mr Carpenter said shelter was available if it is raining on the night.
The event will kick off at 7pm on 12 December at the Cranbourne Racecourse.