Serving up local Christmas Spirit

The King Island Distillery and helpers, very much enjoyed serving local Christmas Cheers at the Market this year on King Island, Tasmania.  The King Island Sunset Martini was a sell out.  The other favourites were the King Island Distillery Native Gin and Tonic. People at the market were sipping and smiling as they were shopping locally, other top cocktail choices were our King Island Distillery U-fa-coffee Martini, King Island Peer-less Point New Fashioned and Naughty Native Negroni King Island Gin Cocktail.

Heidi Weitjens President, King Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry says "Our street market unites the community and showcases local products. We are especially grateful to our Treasurer and market coordinator, Jane Mayfield, also her Post Office Team for their support. We appreciate the efforts of our volunteers, Santa, stallholders, and caterers, and extend a special thank you to those who came to shop and support our 35 talented locals, including hobbyists, artists, growers, cooks, caterers, nonprofit organisations and small businesses. We also thank KIRDO, the King Island Council Team, and Councillors for their market support and also year-round support."

King Island Courier Photos and their Market Coverage Story:

"WITH the threat of rain, the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Christmas Market was moved from Main Street Currie to the Town Hall.

"This is great, half the island is here," kids yelled across George St.

Families, visitors, new residents,

holidaymakers - all and sundry made their way to George Street, sat on the grassy knoll behind the town hall and dined, chatted and enjoyed the festive air.

The hall was jam-packed with stalls. Candles, pottery, postcards and souvenirs. Tables were full of Christmas baubles and handmade, handcrafted goods for keeping or gifting.

The Brewhouse was unable to serve up their local ales with the change of location, but King Island Distillery served cocktails and tasters for those who needed more cheer.

The highlight was the arrival of Santa, who was mobbed. Young and old posed for photos with the jolly red fellow. His little green elf helper had little hope of controlling the happy but exuberant crowd.

The King Island tribal dancers took to the stage while Robert Tucker (who was on the island for piano tuning services) and Tracey Collyer, and others who joined in, played and sang carols and Christmas songs in the foyer.

The food vendors and the coffee van did a roaring trade, as Christmas shoppers sat in the sun and kids raced around. "This has turned out well," Jane Mayfield from the Chamber of Commerce said. "We had to make the call this morning, and while it hasn't rained after all and the sun is shining, we just had to do it.

"I must thank the council and staff who really helped in making this successful. It is great to see new faces and new stall holders."

King Island Childcare still have tickets for their Christmas Raffle, which include retail, cafe, self-care, wellness and restaurant vouchers, dressed lamb, accommodation nights, airfares, golf rounds and toy packs. It's drawn December 16 and tickets are available from the Childcare centre or message their Facebook page." Thanks to the King Island Courier for the Photos and the Story.

 On another note from the King Island Courier covers a story about the King Island Tasmanian Fire Service - TFS.  Happy Heidi Weitjens became a TFS volunteer in 2007 with the Naracoopa, King Island Brigade.  

KING Island volunteer fire service volunteers received national and service medals for years of service from Acting District Officer Jaron Oosterloo earlier this month.

The recipients were: Peter Aldridge: 50yr Clasp + National Medal. Greg Barratt: 10yr Medal + National Medal. Craig Constable: 10yr Medal. Peter Constable: 10yr Medal. John Cross: 10yr Medal + National Medal. Chris Crouch: 20yr Clasp. Andrew Rhodes: 20yr Clasp. Jan van Ruiswyk: 10yr Medal. Heidi Weitjens: 15yr Medal + National Medal.