From left, Parent volunteer Brenda Elliott, Grade 7 student Scarlett LaBlance, Grade 8 student Blair Elliott, Grade 7 student Robin Acton, Grade 8 student Tessa Busch and Teacher Enid Johnson. Adorned in twinkling lights, four GC Huston Public School students, along with their teacher Enid Johnson and parent volunteer Brenda Elliot, dazzled Saugeen Shores Council with a proposal to set Fairy Lake aglow for the the holiday season.

Hub Staff

Four students from GC Huston Public School in Southampton turned up the sparkle factor at the October 28 Committee of Whole meeting. GC Huston teacher Enid Johnson, parent volunteer Brenda Elliott and Grade 7 and 8 students Scarlett LaBlance, Tessa Busch, Robin Acton and Blair Elliott presented their concept to council for a Saugeen Shores style festival of lights at Fairy Lake.

Through a prepared slideshow presentation, the students illuminated their vision for a GC Huston led project.

Grade 7 and 8 students Scarlett LaBlance, Tessa Busch, Robin Acton and Blair Elliott presented the concept for a Saugeen Shores style festival of lights through a prepared slideshow presentation.

“It goes without saying,” explained LaBlance “that the students of GC Huston feel that Fairy Lake is part of our school playground. We are so lucky to have this space right beside our school and we take advantage of it whenever we can.”

The students noted the enjoyment of Fairy Lake throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons, but argued that the lake would have much to offer during the winter as well, if it were made more accessible.

“We would like to change that,” announced Blair Elliott. “GC Huston, in partnership with other community members, want to make Fairy Lake a destination in the Winter.”

The group plans to have their pilot project light up on the night of the 2019 Southampton Christmas Parade. GC Huston would partner with a local business to donate a display located at the Fairy Lake pavilion and after the parade everyone will be invited to admire the lights, indulge in some hot cocoa and cookies and be treated to a performance from the GC Huston band.

Brenda Elliott acknowledged the signage and maintenance that would be required to create a safe and protected winter wonderland at Fairy Lake. Both Johnson and Elliot noted the GC students being responsible for cleaning up their playground and explained that the maintenance at Fairy Lake would just be an extension of their playground duties.

Elliott expressed her hope to plan a name unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony on the night of the Southampton parade this year.

Johnson indicated that they have already been in contact with residents surrounding Fairy Lake and that they have expressed a positive interest in the project, as has the Bruce County Museum. Johnson also mentioned that they have collaborated with the Owen Sound Festival of Lights to learn from their experience.

“I think it’s got a really good chance at being really successful,” declared Johnson, “and something that will make us really proud. And again, something else that brings people to Southampton other than in the summer just for the beach,” she said.

Council had nothing but encouraging comments to offer the group.

After the presentation Brenda Elliott explained that the idea arose last year as she rode past Fairy Lake on the GC Huston float during the Santa Clause Parade. “I said, 'That’s just a hidden treasure, that should be lit up for Christmas,'” recalled Elliot. "That’s how this whole idea came up."

Elliott envisioned businesses wanting to join in the event in the coming years with businesses sponsoring a section of the park and setting up their own display. “My hope is in five years we’ll have the whole lake lit up,” mused Elliott.

“We just have to get the ball rolling," said Johnson. “Southampton’s a great place for getting stuff done. When you say what you want to do and just ask, 'Can you help me with this, can you help me with that,' we’ve never had a problem with our community not wanting to get on board,” she concluded.

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