A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). For more information call 519-846-0941. Office hours 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information call 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website www.ontario.ca/omafra.
The legend of Rockwood’s farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights
This time of year Santa is busy in his workshop making toys for good little girls and boys. But in Rockwood, Santa already has his toys made, and shopping done. His soybeans and corn are harvested, and now he’s trying to figure out just what he and Mrs. Claus should do to their combine for the “big” night – yes, this is a farmer’s Santa. With his fall farm work under control, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will soon be decorating their combine with Christmas lights and other seasonal decorations for Rockwood’s farmer’s Santa Claus Parade of Lights.
For 20 years, the parade has been held on the second Thursday in December.
“The first year was very informal and spontaneous. A group of local farmers decided to dress up their farm equipment for the Christmas season and ride through the village streets as a holiday gesture of goodwill to their non-farming neighbours,” reports Mr. Santa Claus.
This year the parade will feature about 20 area farms joining in the spirit of the season. Over two hundred farmers, their families, employees and friends will join in the fun, riding on the floats. Entry is by invitation only.
“The parade is strictly for fun,” says Murray Swanston, parade committee chair. “There is absolutely no fundraising, advertising or fees connected with it.”
There will be thousands of Christmas lights, along with garlands, ribbons, bows and Christmas trees.
Old and current farming practices will be combined with floats of antique and modern equipment. There will be a dancing stable cleaner along for the fun, among other farm implements. And Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding their combine for the grand finale.
The Guelph detachment of the OPP and the Eramosa Volunteer Fire Fighters will be helping escort and direct traffic that night. The parade is organized by the Rockwood Farming Community.
The fun starts at 7pm.
OMAFRA nutrient management courses now available
OMAFRA offers a range of training courses to provide information on nutrient management and the Nutrient Management Act (NMA). These courses are now available online. OMAFRA’s training courses give learners the tools to safely manage nutrients while protecting the environment. Courses are available to become a government-certified nutrient management planner or consultant. The eLearning format allows you to learn on your own time and at your own pace. The newest eLearning course – Introduction to Nutrient Management – provides a basic understanding of nutrient management best management practices. This course will be of interest to a wider audience beyond those who require certification. Visit the University of Guelph Ridgetown campus website for more information on in-class and online nutrient management training options.
Contact the University of Guelph Ridgetown campus for more information at 1-855-648-1444 or mmcdonal@uoguelph.ca.
Coming events
– Jan. 29 to Feb. 1: Guelph Organic Conference and Expo 2015.
