Rotary on song

By Bridget Cook
THE Rotary Club of Cranbourne will sing in the festive season this month with their annual Christmas carols event.
To be held on Sunday 11 December from 6pm, the event will include a host a great local talent signing well known Christmas songs, a visit from Santa and a grand fireworks display to finish.
The Christmas carols have been run annually by the Rotary Club of Cranbourne for more than 40 years.
Carols committee chairman Peter Carpenter said the event was a great night out for families.
“There will be plenty of opportunity for audience participation and sing-along,” he said.
“Santa will make his entrance courtesy of the Cranbourne CFA, accompanied by firetruck bells and whistles.
“The event will conclude with a grand fireworks display courtesy of Southern Cross Fireworks. This is our traditional ending and is very much anticipated.”
The compare for the evening will be well-known local performer Dave Whalen, who will be assisted by Cindy Warren.
Some of the acts set to perform on the night include young performers Ryan Griffiths and Allira Farlan, established country and western stars Ian Castles and Chris Newman, local songstress Jacqui Lang and Elvis impersonator Paul Mercieci who will perform ‘Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me’ and other Elvis hits.
New to the carols event this year will be Frankie Stevens of Frankie and the Highlighters fame and barber shop quartet NQV.
Songbooks and glowstix candles can be purchased on the night, automatically putting people in the running to win one of three monster hampers.
There will be a free sausage sizzle, cordial for the kids and take-away cappuccinos can be purchased from the course canteen.
The event will be held at the Cranbourne Racecourse, Grant Street Cranbourne, from 6pm with Santa to arrive at 7.30pm.