Geelong’s clearest sign that Christmas is just around the corner – the shining, shimmering Christmas tree adjacent to Cunningham Pier – is almost ready to make its annual appearance.
For the ninth consecutive year the 25m structure is being prepared for deployment to its prime position on the waterfront, where it will spend two months bringing seasonal joy to the hearts of locals before being packed up for another year.
City of Greater Geelong elves are working furiously at their North Pole – I mean, North Shore – workshop adding the finishing touches to the floating tree ahead of this year’s appearance.
In a few weeks’ time it will be attached to a Geelong Port tug for its brief, tenuous voyage across Corio Bay to its festive home at the end of Moorabool Street, where it will spend the following two months bringing Christmas cheer – and shoppers – to the CBD.
The tree has become a must-see attraction for locals and visitors since its debut in 2014.
The brainchild of former mayor Darryn Lyons, the steel structure was built by local manufacturer Hanlon Industries at a cost of around $330,000.
The design reflects the bay’s changing sky during the day, and at night features its own LED light show.
While it’s visible from as far way as McKillop St at the top of the Moorabool St hill, the tree is at its magical best up close where spectators can control the sound and lighting display using their own mobile phones.
It’s had, and still has, its critics.
When it was first launched some of the mayor’s own council colleagues criticised the tree, claiming it was a poor use of taxpayer funds.
And while it has enjoyed overwhelming support on social media, there are still plenty of Grinches who see it as their Christmas duty to take to Facebook and voice their dislike.
Bah, humbug.
The Lighting of the Tree will take place on November 11 and signals the official start of the Christmas season in Geelong.
