Former Harvest Star Search winner Gracienne Swarbrick serenaded the crowds at Coulter Parkette with songs of the season November 17 at the Port Elgin Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Hub Staff
Christmas cheer was in the air at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Port Elgin's Coulter Parkette, November 17.
From four performances in the street by dancers of the SB Dance Academy to marshmellows provided by the Liv-A-Little to roast on the open fire, and even a ride by carriage through downtown, there was a lot for those in attendance to see and do.
The unseasonably warm night was held in conjunction with Port Elgin’s Shoppers' Night, and was co-hosted by the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce and the Port Elgin Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Chamber Coordinator Mandy Sebok said the night was a success because of community relationships and thanked the Town of Saugeen Shores, the Port Elgin BIA, Everest Nursery, St. Joseph’s School and Kid Street Nursery School for doing a stellar job at decorating the Christmas tree.
“We had a fantastic turnout, the weather was certainly in our favour, allowing everyone a chance to enjoy the festivities,” said Sebok.
Robin Woods from 98 the Beach was the Emcee for the evening, and Gracienne Swarbrick, a former Harvest Star Search winner, sang Christmas carols with the crowd.
The BIA would like to thank downtown businesses: The Cabana, Rosina, Casual Corners, The Wismer House, and Blackboard Sound for their contribution towards the reindeer, who were on-hand for photos.
The Chamber will host Southampton’s Tree Lighting next Thursday (November 24) at the Southampton Town Hall, to go with their Southampton Sparkles shopping extravaganza.
Mark Gleba gave a helping hand to his 4 year old son Benjamin with roasting marshmallows, at the Port Elgin Tree Lighting November 17.
On the left, Santa Clause posed with Port Elgin’s Mark Gareave at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 17. On the right, Saugeen Shores Councillor Dave Meyette, with the assistance of helpers Nia (blue) and Isis flipped the switch that turned on the tree lights for the 2016 Christmas season.
Dancers from SB Dance Academy performed four numbers at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Coulter Parkette.
The Liv-A-Little team dispensed the makings for Smores.
With Hot chocolate in high demand, Rabbit Dash owner John Hepplewhite had a busy night tending to his line-up at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 17.
Amy Buckley and son Grayson Muma caught a photo with the Gingerbread Man.
Keeley and Shyla posed for a picture with one of the visiting reindeer November 17.
Many people hitched a ride with the Clydesdales.
