Holiday festivities in the making
Planning is underway for festive activities throughout the area, providing opportunities to gather with neighbours, visit with Santa, and support those in need this holiday season.
Creemore Tree lighting
Creemore’s Christmas in the Valley begins with the tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, hosted by Creemore Village Green and Creemore Firefighters’ Association from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This cherished annual tradition includes carol singing, games and the crazy hat contest to determine who will have the honour of lighting up the 12-foot Christmas tree set up on the stage. The crazy hat contest invites youth to create a hat – the crazier the better. Hats from past years have been assembled using things from around the house, embellished with ribbons, ornaments and even lights. Attendees will be invited to gather round the fire pits to warm up and make s’mores.
Inside, Station on the Green will be serving free hot dogs and hot chocolate, and children’s crafts facilitated by Imaginarium Adventure in Art. Children are also encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and make use of the North Pole post box.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday starts with Breakfast with Santa at the Creemore Legion from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. which includes a silent auction and pictures with Santa. The pancake and sausage breakfast costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets available at the door. Cash only. All proceeds from the event are donated to Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School and St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.
Christmas markets
The first of the Creemore Farmers’ Market Christmas market series is on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Station on the Green. Christmas markets continue on Dec. 14 and 21. There will be 21 vendors at each market. Vendor lists will be posted on Facebook. Coffee and tea will be for sale at the markets.
Creemore parade
The Creemore parade, hosted by the Creemore BIA, is expected to hit Mill Street at 1:30 p.m. The parade will be marshalling at the arena and will travel east on Johnston Street, south on Mill Street to Edward, and east to Mary Street in order to pass by the nursing home. To enter a float contact sara@creemore.com or call 705-466-9906. A fee of $20 applies to businesses. Community groups andnon-profit groups can register free of charge. Parade volunteers are needed. Contact brendancallery@gmail.com. Don’t miss a chance to meet Santa at Creemore Village Green after the parade.
A Christmas Carol
There will be a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol presented by Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society at St. John’s United Church from 7 p.m. Saturday evening, with Dan Needles, Cathy Gildiner, Tim Armour, Laura LaChapelle, Simon Heath, Susan Kyle, and musician Brendan Callery.
Stayner parade
The Stayner parade will begin at about 10:30 a.m., departing from Station Park area at 7259 Highway 26 and ending at the Stayner arena, where Santa will be available to meet with visitors and enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate.
Members of the Stayner and District Kinsmen will be walking the parade route, collecting monetary (cash or grocery store gift cards) donations for the Clearview-Stayner Food Bank from parade viewers.
Anyone interested in joining the parade is asked to contact brandonward1989@hotmail.com. There is an entry fee of $10 (cash or grocery store gift card) that will also go to the food bank.
Stayner tree lighting
The tree lighting in Stayner, hosted by Clearview Township and community partners, is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. Bring your letters for Santa, meet the North Pole Elves and of course, watch the flipping of the switch to turn on the Christmas tree lights. The Stayner Heritage Society will have a Christmas display and refreshments inside the Tourism Information Centre, at 220 Huron St.
Creemore BIA shopping day
On Nov. 30, Creemore BIA is hosting a holiday shopping kick-off event in the downtown area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with carollers, horse- and-wagon rides and a sip-and-shop with participating retailers
Singhampton parade
The annual Singhampton Santa Claus parade, organized by Singhampton Clearview Station 5 will be Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
The route will start at the Community Centre and end up at the Fire Hall.
Floats are always welcome so get your creative hats on and your friends and family together!
After the parade, drop by the Fire Hall to meet Santa, enjoy a hot cocoa and meet fellow villagers.
The Singhampton volunteer Firefighters will be walking the parade route, collecting non perishable food donations for the Clearview Stayner Food Bank.
Charitable donations
The Creemore Firefighters Association will be doing their annual food and toy drive. Gift cards and money will be accepted as well as food and toys for St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.
Christmas in a Box is collecting new, unwrapped toys and non perishables/ grocery gift cards at Creemore Village Green from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7. Hot chocolate and cookies available for purchase with all proceeds going back to the program. Christmas In a Box is also collecting food and toys at: Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Café in Creemore, Kitchn Savvy in Stayner and at Playtime Casino in Wasaga Beach.
There will also be a donation bin at the Creemore Farmers’ Market on Dec. 7 and 14.
Volunteers are still looking for people to sponsor families.
To make cash donations or e-transfers, or for more information, contact Cayleigh Jago at 705-888-7636 or christmasinaboxclearview@gmail.com.
The Creemore Echo will be collecting cash, cheques and gift cards for St. Luke’s Community Food Bank (make cheques payable to St. Luke’s Anglican Church and note the donation is for the food bank) and Clearview-Stayner Food Bank.
The Echo’s Newsstand is open seven days a week.
