High time for carols

Sassafrass-Ferny Creek CFA

By Tania Martin
CAROLS on the Mountain, a night to rejoice, will return to Ferny Creek this year.
Now in its third year the carols will be held on Saturday 15 December at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve on the corner of Clarkmont and Hilton Road at 6pm.
The community event, organised by the Sassafras-Ferny Creek CFA, was originally staged in response to a need for a night of Christmas carols but it has since grown in popularity with more than 1000 people attending last year.
Carols on the Mountain will this year feature an inaugural performance of the Hallelujah Chorus led by the Dandenong Ranges Sing Australia choir and the National Youth Chorale.
The Upwey High School Symphonic Band and the Monbulk Concert Band will also provide music.
Choral performance by local primary schools and choirs will also be a highlight of the night, along with an appearance by the Hart School of Dance.
Sassafrass-Ferny Creek CFA president Win King-Smith said the idea for the night was to celebrate both Christmas and community.
“A number of local community organisations and bodies have come together over the past three years to help stage the event and its popularity has made it a much anticipated fixture on the local calendar,” she said.
“The event celebrates community and connection and Christmas, of course.”
Ms King-Smith said that Santa would also make an appearance at the Carols on the Mountain.
The night will also be an alcohol free event and parking will be available in the nearby Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Ground in Hilton Road.