WELLINGTON NORTH – Clubs and groups in Wellington North are adapting on the fly when it comes holiday events.
Among the changes locally due to the COVID-19 pandemic are the cancellation of a Christmas Market, moving a tree lighting to a virtual format and major changes to two annual Santa Claus Parades.
On Nov. 26 the Arthur Chamber of Commerce announced it was cancelling a Nov. 27 Christmas tree lighting in the village.
“With the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in North Wellington, we were informed by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) late this afternoon that the Christmas tree lighting ceremony has to be moved strictly to a virtual event,” the chamber posted on social media.
Officials say anyone wanting to view the lighting can visit the Arthur Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page through Facebook Live at 6:45pm.
The chamber also announced that “this decision made by [WDGPH] also means that the Christmas Market on [Nov. 28] is now cancelled.”
Officials thanked vendors who had registered and expressed hope that the chamber could host a similar event “next Christmas to help support small business in Arthur.”
Parades
Both the Arthur and Mount Forest Santa Claus Parades will look different this year.
On Nov. 28, starting at 7pm, Wellington North firefighters will escort Saint Nick down Arthur streets.
“Get bundles up and cozy on your front lawn and listen for the sirens,” states a promotional poster for the parade, organized by the local OptiMrs club.
Residents are encouraged to follow public health guidelines, including physical distancing.
On Dec. 4 from 7 to 9pm, Santa will return to the township for the reverse drive-thru parade in Mount Forest, organized by the local Lions Club.
Vehicles will drive around the fairgrounds track to view stationary floats on the infield.
Cars can lineup for the parade northeast of the track, travelling west on Wellington Street via London Road. Vehicles will exit via Church Street or west on Wellington Street.
No walkers will be permitted to enter the parade and those without vehicles can view the event live in Facebook.
Businesses entering floats are encouraged to keep in mind the event’s theme of “Keeping Spirits High.”
They can pre-register by calling 519-323-4789, emailing mountforestlionsclub@gmail.com or by messaging the Lions Club’s Facebook page. Businesses can also show up the night of the event, between 5:30 and 6pm, but that will be on a first come, first served basis.
Business representatives are welcome to stay with their floats as long as they practice physical distancing.
