There is a buzz happening among the motorhome and grey nomad population as they prepare for the annual pilgrimage to Mareeba for our famous Christmas in July festivities.
Visitors from throughout the region will be joined by old friends and new from across Australia and internationally for this festive and fun celebration in our northern winter.
This year the Far North Nomads Chapter of the Campervan and Motorhome Club (CMCA) of Australia, with the support of Mareeba Shire Council, will celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary with a variety of fun and interesting activities.
There will be entertainment, games, bands, raffles, novelty events, a Christmas hat competition and, of course, Christmas dinner under the stars.
Tropical Tablelands Tourism chair Michael Trout said in two decades Christmas in July had grown to become one of Queensland’s largest motorhome and lifestyle events attracting more than 250 motorhomes, camper vans and caravans over the four days from Thursday, July 27 to Sunday, July 30.
“The Far North Nomads Chapter of the CMCA will be serving up good old fashioned Christmas hospitality with all the trappings,” he said.
Davies Park will be the venue for four days of partying and fun.
The Christmas in July dinner will be served up under the stars on Saturday night, and on Sunday from 9am to 3pm many of the motorhome owners literally open the doors of their vehicles to share what the nomadic life is all about at the ever-popular open day.
There will also be displays, markets, family entertainment including jumping castle and faceprinting and more. Entry is by gold coin donation, which will be divided between the Mareeba SES and the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
“Christmas in July offers a welcome boost for many businesses and tourism attractions and typically marks the start of peak season for operators on the Atherton Tablelands.
“What we have noticed is that most people don’t just come for the four days, many opt to stay in the region for several weeks with other key events such as the show and rodeo also taking place in July.”
Christmas in July coordinator Milly Virtue said every year the event continued to grow and this year promised to be no different.
“It is such a great event – everybody gets together, with some people only seeing each other once every 12 months. We know there are rallies across Australia, but many just choose ours to attend.
“The Atherton Tablelands is a diverse region with lots of things to see and do, as well as offering great weather with very mild winters, which is why people love retuning again and again.”
The event is open to CMCA members only with the exception of the public open day on the Sunday. For more information on Christmas in July visit Mareeba Shire Council’s website http://msc.qld.gov.au/events/christmas-in-july/
Written by Tanya Snelling. Originally published 24th July 2017
