The carnival is being held a little later in the day this year, to take advantage of the cooler evening on what hopefully will be another fine day.

Lions president Wayne Lusty said carnival-goers can expect all the much-anticipated treats including a visit from Santa (at around 6.30pm), a barbecue and hot chips and donuts for supper and a chance to win hams and Christmas cakes on the chocolate wheel.

This year stallholders from Tenterfield’s new farmers market are being invited to offer their produce at the Christmas carnival, and any other stallholders with Christmassy items to sell are invited to get in touch with organisers to arrange their free site.

There will be a jumping castle, mini-train and face-painting to amuse the kids, and Mr Lusty promised there would also be a few surprises.

Families are encouraged to bring along chairs and picnic rugs and settle in for a fun, country get-together to celebrate the season. All proceeds go to the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service, and Mr Lusty hopes the community will be generous in its support as it has been in the past.

“It’s a good cause,” he said.

“We always hope we won’t have to use it, but it’s good to know it’s there.”

Here’s a trip down memory lane with some photos from last year’s carnival...