While signs of Santa and snowmen have been installed on Bega’s main street, no decorated town Christmas tree, prize draw or carols have been organised. 

Bega Chamber of Commerce president Dave Mitchell said the decision came down to a lack of time. 

“We as the executive decided at this time of year we didn’t have the time, we weren’t physically going to be able to get it right,” he said. 

“This is a crazy time of year for us.” 

He said the town’s churches had made the decision not to hold any carols.  

Instead of one major event held annually, Mr Mitchell said the chamber was leaning towards holding events to help promote businesses in Bega throughout the year. 

Proposals include dinners with guest speakers to bring new ideas into the region, or a start-up grant to help inspire someone to begin a new business. 

Mr Mitchell said he did not believe the lack of extensive Christmas celebrations in Bega would deter visitors to the town over the season. 

“I personally can see the numbers of people in the town are already up,” he said. 

But there will still be plenty of action and entertainment in Bega this season as taking over from the chamber’s Christmas Carnivale, held last year, is the Bega Town Block Party. 

The town-wide celebration will be held on December 15, from 5pm to late, and is billed as a family-friendly choose your own adventure-style event. 

The Bega Town Block Party is sponsored by the Bega Chamber. 

Meanwhile, Bega Valley Shire Council is organising some activities over the summer season. 

Storytime at Bega Valley libraries will take on a Christmas theme over the next couple of weeks, from 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bega and 10.30am on Tuesdays at Bermagui. 

Council staff are collecting toys for kids tied to the Brighter Futures program run by Council’s Children, Families and Aging team.