By Violet Li
Local church and charity Gethsemane presented its annual Clyde Carols by Candlelight at Hillcrest Oval on Saturday 14 December.
Gethsemane Church founder Kerrigan La-Brooy said the annual event attracted more than 2000 people this year.
“It was a perfect day. For some reason, everybody loved it. They loved the music. The vibe was so good,” he said.
The day featured food vendors, craft stalls, family activities, raffles, and more.
The special guests included Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Casey deputy mayor Melinda Ambros, and Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor Michelle Crowther.
“We had people from all walks of life performing,” Kerrigan said.
“We had the choir. We were doing all the songs that the audience could sing along to. And the rest of the songs were special items like duets, rock and roll, country music, Christmas music, of course.”
Kerrigan said the special thing on the day was the Christmas Miracle.
“We call a Christmas Miracle every year. All the children there write their names, genders, and ages down. The families write their names down as well. Now we are wrapping about 100 presents for these children.
“We are hoping to get it done by this coming Friday. And then, we’ll have this big giveaway where the kids come and get a treat for them. Then they get their lovely gift.
“It makes me quite emotional. That’s very special to us to be able to give these kids something meaningful for Christmas.”
A television version of the carol will be on Channel 31 at 8pm on Wednesday 18 December.
