MINTO – Local firefighters are once again hosting Santa Claus Parades in all three of this town’s urban areas.
“The good news is we’re having Santa Claus parades in all three communities this year ,” said Minto Fire Chief Chris Harrow.
“We’re just excited to be able to have a normal parade this year for the community.”
The parades will be held on Nov. 20 in Harriston, Nov. 27 in Clifford and Dec. 4 in Palmerston. All three evening parades will begin at 7pm.
The line up for entries in the Harriston parade will begin at 6pm at the Speare Seeds property along John Street. Floats are welcome for this year’s event.
For information contact Mitch Loos at loos.mitch@gmail.com or Derrick Givens at givvy15@gmail.com.
In conjunction with the Clifford parade, Clifford Connects and the Clifford Firefighters Association are hosting Christmas in the Streets.
The event will feature:
- maple syrup taffy and other Christmas Snacks;
- “rockin’ Christmas tunes” with DJ Cody Miller;
- Chuckles Balloons making balloon creations;
- horse and buggy rides; and
- fire pit warming stations.
At the Palmerston parade the local Kinettes will be accepting donations to the local food bank.
Anyone wishing to enter a float in the Palmerston parade is encouraged to join. Pre-registration is not required.
Other seasonal events are also coming up around the Town of Minto.
The annual Minto Arts silent auction fundraiser begins Nov. 16 and runs until Dec. 4. Items will be on display at the gallery, located on the upper floor of the Harriston branch of the Wellington County Library.
Harriston Rising’s annual Ladies Night in downtown Harriston is set for Nov. 17, with local businesses offering extended hours and special in-store offers. Merry-making music and food and drink stations will be featured throughout downtown Harriston between 4 and 8pm.
The Palmerston Light Up the Park event is set for Nov. 19.
Colourful Christmas lights lining the park’s trails, walkways and features will be lit up during the event at Lions Heritage Park.
Sponsored by All Aboard Palmerston, the event, which runs from 6 to 8pm, will feature hot drinks at the Lion’s clubhouse building prior to the 6:30pm light-up in the park.
Following the lighting will be:
- photos with Santa outside the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum;
- horse and wagon rides from the museum to downtown;
- take and make kits available at the Palmerston Library;
- various downtown businesses open with special deals;
- a fireworks display;
- a vendors market; and
- late night shopping and special promotions from local businesses.
All Aboard Palmerston is also planning a Kris Kringle Market for Nov. 25.
The outdoor celebration will be a full night of festivities, including late night shopping at downtown businesses, food trucks, Christmas music, a vendors market and more between 4 and 8pm.
Harriston Rising is also hosting a Christmas decorating competition.
Residents can win prizes by decorating their house in one of four categories:
- best outdoor tree;
- best porch decor;
- best garage door; and
- best old fashioned Christmas (no lights).
Register by Dec. 12 by emailing hello@harristonrising.ca with name, category and address. Judging runs from Dec. 13 to 17.
Winners will be announced at a “Harriston Shines” celebration on Dec. 18 in Tannery Park from 5 to 6pm.
Tannery Park in Harriston will also be the scene of a Candyland Christmas event on Dec. 11 from 10am to noon. The event will feature music, balloons, hot drinks, treats and more.
Area residents can wrap up the year with the popular Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve.
Held entirely outdoors this year, the event will run from 7 to 8pm and feature sled dogs, fire artists, fire pits, shlockey and a visit from the Ice Queen and Princess.
The event will conclude with a fireworks display at 8pm.
