THE festive season is a time for giving and that’s exactly what’s happening at this year’s Marburg Christmas Carnival.

Marburg Show Society Vice President Barb Froloff said the annual Christmas Carnival was eagerly anticipated because it gave families an opportunity for a fun outing that “didn’t break the bank”.

“There will be a lot of free goodies and it’s a fun family event,” she said.

“Santa will be handing out gift bags, inside are about $50 retail value in gifts and goodies.

“Every child up to 12 years old will get one.”

Something else that’s a crowd pleaser is the ‘ham wheel’.

No, it’s not an abbreviation for hamster wheel.

People are encouraged to buy $1 tickets, then spin a wheel for a chance to win a Christmas ham.

The Marburg ham wheel is a game of chance that has been played for around six decades.

“We have 60 hams to be won, if people are still spinning once they run out, we’ll offer a $50 note instead,” she said.

“The carnival is free to enter and there will be lots of dinner options so families can make an evening of it.”

All activities are free for children.

Games like Wild Hog, Monkey Activity Castle and an inflatable train are on until 8pm.

Between 4pm and 7pm there’s balloon twisting by roving entertainers, a giant bubble play space, circus workshop, LED hula hoop play space, animal farm and face painting.

There will be a variety of market stalls set up too.

“Come and do your Christmas shopping and support local community groups,” she said.

The event officially closes at 8pm but Barb said the lights only go off once everyone’s satiated.

The Marburg Christmas Carnival began many years ago to give local farmers and their families something to look forward to off farm.

In those days farm life kept families very busy and kid focused outings were rare.

It’s a tradition that continues today and is a welcome distraction for families during what is inarguably the most expensive time of year.