Southampton's Christmas Tree was illuminated following the Tree Lighting Ceremony November 22.

Hub Staff

Attendees gathered outside the Southampton Town Hall and entrance to the Southampton Arts Centre to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony November 22, which coincided with the Southampton Sparkles shoppers' night.

On a cold but clear night, Town Crier Neil Menage began the proceedings. “Oh yea, oh yea, oh yea, oh yea. Gather one and gather all, on the steps of this grand town hall. If these steps could talk, what would they say? No matter it’s colder, let’s sing, dance and play. Heritage matters, this I know. Use your space wisely in order to grow. Time for action without any whisper. Go forth young friends and truly prosper. Tonight these steps have a different refrain and you’ve heard it before, no pain, no gain. Rise to the occasion without debacle, for this is truly the season and, Southampton Sparkles. Oh yea, oh yea, oh yea.”

Following performances from the dancers of the Celtic Academy, Saugeen Shores Mayor Elect Luke Charbonneau welcomed everyone and offered season's greetings on behalf of himself, his family and the Town of Saugeen Shores.

“We're very lucky, we live in one of the fastest growing places in our region and one of the best places to live in this country,” said Charbonneau to cheers and applause from the gathered crowd. “We should never forget how privileged we are to live in a place like this and we should always remember, particularly at a time like this, to give back to those people in our own community and in other communities who are less fortunate than all of us.”

Charbonneau said that he did not have the qualifications to light a Christmas tree himself and asked for help. Several children stepped up to the task and after a countdown from five from the evening's Master of Ceremonies, 98 the Beach's Robin Woods, they lit the tree and officially kicked off the Christmas season in Southampton.

Members of the Chantry Singers performed several Christmas songs, including such favourites as O' Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, while the Southampton Arts Centre offered some welcome relief from the cold by serving hot chocolate from Port Elgin's Rabbit Dash Coffee House.

Ringing his handbell, Town Crier Neil Menage, stood on the steps of the Southampton Town Hall as he got the evening's ceremony underway.

Families and attendees gathered and watched dancers from the Celtic Academy perform prior to the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Southampton November 22.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Elect Luke Charbonneau welcomed everyone to the Tree Lighting Ceremony and wished them all happy holidays.

After his call for help, many children stepped up to aid the Mayor Elect in lighting the Southampton Christmas tree.

Southampton's Mousseau family, from left, Steve, Sabrina with Stella, Annie, and Georgia stopped for a family portrait by the tree with a couple of Southampton Pet Hospital's dalmatians.

Members of the Chantry Singers sang a number of Christmas classics.

Celtic Academy Canada owner and Director Mary Foley (right) stands by the Southampton Christmas tree with her team of dancers who performed several routines at the ceremony.