Fireworks Light up the Night Sky as Santa Claus Greets the Crowd
KAWARTHA LAKES-Saturday, November 29 was a sunny, wintery day in Fenelon Falls, with a few flurries—near perfect weather for the village’s annual Santa Day celebration. The streets were packed, and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time enjoying all of the activities around town. “It is a day when the village comes together to make something wonderful for their friends and neighbours, and share their community with a lot of visitors,” observes volunteer Carol Milroy. “People come from all over to enjoy what we have in Fenelon Falls. There are many kind people who are willing to step up and make it happen.”
Traditional Christmas Tree ornament making with Cindy Barrett and Helen Robinson
As always, there were a lot of fun things for families to enjoy on Santa Day: “The kids really enjoyed the critter visits, where they could go into the pens and feed the critters. The wagon rides are always a favourite. There were a lot of kids at the library writing letters to Santa. At the firehall, kids could climb into a fire truck and it was packed—it was a warming station with food. The curling club’s chili lunch was full. A lot of people walked across the bridge to go to the Barn and Bunkie’s outdoor craft sale. At the Loft Youth Centre, kids were encouraged to make Christmas Cards for residents of Fenelon Court.” A hoop artist, stilt walker, living statue, and magician were walking around the downtown. Maryboro Lodge Museum featured cardboard box Pacman, a Frozen sing-a-long and dance party, storytime and an activity making traditional Christmas Tree ornaments.
Face painting
“Almost all of the downtown businesses did something to be part of Santa Day,” explains volunteer Judi Adamson. Barndo & Co. wrote a song about Santa Day, now available on Spotify. “The petting zoos were popular, especially the camels and the unicorn.” Each year Noreen Moore organizes a Gingerbread decorating activity, and kids line up to visit Santa Claus at Westland Insurance. Shelley Given outfit many mascots to march in the parade. With free hotdogs, popcorn and hot drinks, “it is such a happy day that families can enjoy for free,” Carol adds. Fenelon Falls Secondary School’s Spirit of Christmas raises funds to enable families to enjoy the holiday season.
Steve’s Lava Chicken Float by Double R Plumbing
At 5 pm, the Santa Claus Parade made its way north up Lindsay and Colborne Streets, after marshalling on the south side of town. With so many floats, a lot of co-ordination is needed to have them come together on the main street. “This year it was one of our bigger parades,” Judi observes. “Some of the new entries were unbelievable.” Designs by Dylan won first prize with a beautifully lit carriage. Other interesting floats included Steve’s Lava Chicken (Minecraft) by Double R Plumbing, an inflatable dinosaur Christmas by the Lions Club, and a massive dump truck full of presents by Young’s Construction. Carol Milroy was selected as the Honorary Parade Marshall in recognition of her tireless work as a volunteer for many community organizations.
Fenelon Falls’ Santa Day Committee would like to extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers who contributed to making the event magical!
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected]or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
Don't forget to sign up for our morning newsletter.
Catch up on all the local news while enjoying your coffee.
We’re asking readers, like you, to make a contribution in support of Kawartha 411's independent journalism.
At Kawartha 411 we depend on the generosity of Canadians like you.
Independent media in Canada is more important than ever. If you’re able, please make a donation to Kawartha 411 today. Thank you so much.
