THE Rosewood Lions Christmas Street Carnival, an event that has brought community, businesses and families together for more than 40 years, will no longer be run.
One evening in December each year, market stalls, carnival rides, show bags, fun displays and interactive stalls have lit up the main street of Rosewood to celebrate both Christmas and community.
The Rosewood Lions rolled their ham wheel as families watched for their lucky numbers, town businesses welcomed customers and Santa waved as he entered on the Rosewood fire engine to gift treats to the children.
After lengthy discussions, the Rosewood Lions committee made the decision to cancel the event. It’s a decision which was described by all involved as “a very hard one, leaving the carnival now as a positive memory for all who have been involved over the years”.
Lions President Dennis Kenyon said that the decision to cancel the annual event was not an easy one.
“In 2020 the event was cancelled due to Covid-19, then the year after the event was again cancelled due to forecasts of heavy rain,” he said.
“The disappointment and frustration for the committee was enormous, especially after all of the preparations and organisation that takes up to six months to plan.
“Basically, it has been two years of hard work with piles of paperwork that is required for permits and applications to the Ipswich City Council, all for nothing.
“We did consider organising the event during a different month, when it is less likely to rain, and we did run through other options, but the decision came back to cancelling the event.
“The cost to close the main street alone is almost $4,000, council have supported us with that, which we are grateful for, but everything else is just a huge process.
“Everything is becoming harder to do, and it takes numerous phone calls, pages of paperwork and lots of patience to have to go through all of the different departments in council just to hold this event.
“Since sharing this news we have had some other local organisations approach us, interested in taking over this event.”
Cr Russell Milligan said the Lions Club or any other organising committee to do with the street carnival, would be responsible for the engagement of traffic management personnel.
“Council does not manage this event and the Lions Club of Rosewood has successfully hosted this street carnival for the past 40 years,” he said.
“We understand the club is looking to others to continue this very popular event and council is happy to provide any advice and information regarding support available.”
• The Moreton Border News has received news that a local organisation has come forward and will be taking over this event, when final approvals are in place, full information will be published.
