KAWARTHA LAKES-The holidays are all about spending fime with family, drinking hot chocolate, enjoying nature and wagon rides. Kawartha Conservation has you covered.
Santa’s elves have been busy, the community has come together and this Saturday, December 8, Ken Reid Conservation Area will be the site for the first-ever Christmas at Ken Reid event – a free family event with fun, crafts, animals, wagon rides, entertainment and much, much more for people of all ages.
“We really wanted to create an event that offered something for everyone,” explained Kawartha Conservation Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands. “We are excited to be able to partner with so many people and businesses within the community to put on what we think will be a magical and memorable day.”
Christmas at Ken Reid runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a variety of activities including interactive Indigenous storytelling and drumming with Jake Charles of the Chippewas of Georgina Island and owner of First Nations Cultural Tours, guided, interpretive family hike through the Cedar Forest, live music from a number of local performers, interactive wildlife show featuring skunk, fox, opossum, ground hog and bobcat, kids indoor and outdoor crafts, horse drawn wagon rides, and more.
“The community has really embraced this event and it wouldn’t be possible without them or our local business community,” said Ms. Virgoe. “I would especially like to thank Van Halteren Music Centre, Boiling Over Coffee Vault, Fenelon Falls Tim Hortons, For The Birds Seed Company, the Lindsay Optimist Club, Pie Eyed Monk and the Days Inn and Suites, Lindsay for helping to create a wonderful event for our community.”
Throughout the day long celebration of community, nature, the outdoors and the holiday season, visitors can take part in carol singing by camp fire or take part in a scavenger hunt along the Escarpment Loop, take selfies throughout Ken Reid Conservation Area and share your day with friends and family near and far, get up close to Canadian wildlife, enjoy free coffee and hot chocolate, take photos with Santa, enjoy festive horse drawn wagon rides and make and keep special keepsake crafts.
“We have a day filled with wonderful events and activities inspired to create lasting memories,” said Ms. Virgoe. “Throughout the day Lola’s Great Canadian Food Truck will be on site for those who would like to purchase food, as well as the Optimist Club who will have Christmas Trees available for purchase.
“On Saturday, December 8 we are inviting the entire community to come and enjoy nature and the outdoors while exploring Ken Reid Conservation Area in a whole new way,” Ms. Virgoe continued.
There is no charge for the event or for parking, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
“Christmas at Ken Reid is about bringing people together and collectively supporting our community while enjoying a special occasion in a special place,” said Ms. Virgoe. “If people are able to bring a non-perishable food item, staff and volunteers will be collecting donations to deliver to the food source.”
Christmas at Ken Reid is possible thanks to the community who voted in supported of our Aviva Community Fund Small Ideas nomination.
“This event is the realization of a huge community effort and we are thankful to everyone for their ongoing support and can’t wait to see everyone on December 8,” said Ms. Virgoe.
