The festival committee is busy preparing Stawell Entertainment Centre for the people's display of Christmas trees and all things Christmas this weekend.

The festival has this year attracted a record number of entries with 45 trees and 81 exhibits in all to go on display tomorrow.

St Paul's Ararat has generously allowed their Chrismons for display on the feature tree.

Chrismons are Christmas decorations in the form of Christian symbols, traditionally coloured white and gold, and hand made with love to remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Generally you won't find them commercially made, however making your own can be a wonderful family or group activity.

The mantlepieces are being set up in readiness for some stunning decorations and parents and grandparents won't want to miss the hundreds of beautifully painted and decorated posters and cards prepared by district primary school children.

The craft area is being prepared for the two sessions of children's craft activities tomorrow.

Judging of the trees and exhibits will take place this evening while public voting takes place over the duration of the festival which will conclude at 1.30pm on Sunday prior to the Horsham Handbell ringers and St Patrick's Primary School choir.

For full Christmas Tree Festival details see today's Classifieds.