Redlands Christmas tree ready to go up in Cleveland

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has written directly to the man in the red suit after an anonymous letter from a Redlands youngster delivered to council’s Customer Service Centre.

“We received a letter asking for a visit from red deer (reindeer), so we set out to see if we could make this wish come true for Christmas,” Cr Williams said.

“We thought the request for a deer visit was timely and who better to invite than the most famous reindeer team of all?

“While rates, rubbish and roads are more our jurisdiction, we also take reindeer requests very seriously and we are happy to work in partnership with other agencies, even those based in the North Pole, to make this happen.

“I have taken the step of writing directly to the North Pole, inviting Santa and his reindeer to our Christmas tree lighting in Cleveland Library Square and I have it on good authority some of them will be there.

“We’ve promised Santa that his reindeer will get the chance to meet some of the local children, so it would be great to see people turn out to greet them.

“As a safety precaution, we will also ensure Brisbane Airport is aware there may be extra arctic air traffic that evening.”

Cr Williams said council was also on a mission to find the youngster who left the letter.

“With no return address, we have not been able to get in touch with this young customer to let him know we are progressing his request,” she said.

“We would love for this young child to be there on the night, not only to see the spectacular display of lights on our Christmas tree, but also his dream of Redlands Reindeer coming to fruition.”

The Redland Christmas Tree is being installed in the coming week at Cleveland Library Square, Middle Street (outside Cleveland Library) and will be officially lit for the first time at a free family-friendly event from 6pm on Friday, December 2.

It will remain on display until Tuesday, 10 January 2017.