Hub Staff

The Christmas season officially began in Port Elgin Thursday night with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and lots of activities for the whole family in downtown Port Elgin.

Although the weather was cool and the wind was blowing, hundreds brought their Christmas spirit to the official lighting of the tree in Coulter Parkette and to take part in some late night shopping with local merchants.

Before and after the tree lighting, adults and children alike could be found at the winter market in the Parkette. There was face painting, Santa and Mrs. Clause were available for photo opportunities, even the reindeer had stopped by for a visit.

Families and friends enjoyed horse drawn sleigh rides through downtown Port Elgin, sponsored by Bicyclette Rouge; and entrants and winners of a Gingerbread House contest were available to view at the Port Elgin Library.

Town Crier, Councillor Neal Menage started off the Tree Lighting Ceremony, “To all I say, never mind about the size of your Christmas tree, in the eyes of children they're all 30 feet tall,” and ended with, “Eat, drink, shop and be merry, for all around you our merchants are ready.”

Master of Ceremonies, Brian Longmire, from 98 The Beach, introduced SB Dance Acadamy and crowds that had gathered watched delighted as children from the dance school performed several numbers they had prepared.

Saugeen Shores Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “On behalf of the Town of Saugeen Shores and all the people of Saugeen Shores I want to say Happy Holidays to all of you and on a personal note from my family to yours, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, I hope it’s a good one.”

Charbonneau picked 7 year old local Callie from the crowd and after a countdown from five she flipped the switch and the Christmas tree was officially illuminated for the holiday season.

2015 Pumpkinfest Harvest Star Search winner, Gracienne Swarbick brought the ceremony to a close with the singing of Christmas carols.

To see more pictures, click HERE.