Annual tree lighting officially starts holiday season in Port Elgin

Kimberley Inniss-Petersen, Chamber Executive Director, was bundled up as she welcomed everyone

 

The annual tree lighting at Coulter Parkette in Port Elgin, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, is the first sign that Christmas is just around the corner.

The tree was decorated earlier in the day by St. Joseph’s Catholic School kindergarten students with hand-crafted ornaments.

 

Before lighting the tree, Mayor Luke Charbonneau encouraged everyone to help others over the holiday season.

Then, along with two helpers, Martin and Charlotte, they were counted down by the crowd to pull the lever that lit the tree.

                 Ready to ‘throw the switch’

As the tree sparkled, it also began Shoppers Night for those who wanted an early start to holiday shopping, with merchants who stayed open late.

Christmas isn’t complete without reindeer and, although it wasn’t Rudolph because his nose wasn’t red, the reindeer were very popular with the youngsters who were there.

 

Dancers of all age groups, from Sandra Belanger’s SB Dance Academy, displayed their talent and versatility when they entertained the crowds before the tree lighting.

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