Now in its fifth year, Junee’s annual Christmas on Broadway has returned to officially usher in the silly season.
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The event, to be held on Saturday is the culmination of six months’ work from the town’s business community.
“From the larger businesses, to the smaller BNB’s, we all have some involvement and we’ve all helped to make it a bigger event year upon year,” said committee member Allan Tucker.
This year, more than 3000 people are expected to attend, perhaps more if forecasted rain earlier in the week keeps harvesting at bay.
“It’s mostly locals and people from the region, but every year we’re branching out further,” said Mr Tucker.
“I’ve got a couple staying with me who have come from the US to be here for it.”
Similarly, Natalie Phillips is hosting tourists from Melbourne who have friends in Junee, and are looking to spend the day celebrating on Broadway.
The tourism projection is an enormous return since its inception in 2013 when no more than 800 people turned up for the festivities.
“Originally it started out when some of the staff at the Shire council approached me saying the town was not festive enough at Christmas,” said event founder Tony Butt.
“So we built the tree and stood it up in the middle of the town, but it was pretty non-event so we put on a street party and it’s grown from that.
“We start the planning in May, which is hard to get your head around Christmas that early, but it’s always good to see it all come together in November.”
This year’s event will feature a variety of local entertainers and attractions, and will begin from 4pm on November 24.