By Dennis Gannon
Nov. 28, 2024 – There is no question now that Winter is here. In the last column it was noted that the weather forecast indicated that there would be no significant snow until early December. It’s now December and this past weekend we were under a snow squall watch and warning. And snow did come along with seasonal temperatures. It’s beginning to look like Winter now and as of December 1, the meteorological season of Winter began. According to the long range forecast, December will return to what we recall as normal with seasonal temperatures and an abundance of snow. January and February will see swings in the temperature and less than normal snow falls. We will just have to see what comes.
This past several weeks has seen a flurry of activity at the community centre as the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association prepares for the annual Christmas in the Village weekend. The star was placed high atop of the tree and the lights strung on the tree. Our thanks goes out to the volunteer firefighters who did the work and to the fire department for the use of their equipment. The tree should look great this year. Then during the week a small group of volunteers got the ground displays installed and wired up. All this will make the park dazzle for the Christmas season.
The Christmas in the Village officially begins with the Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 7. This will be the 10th edition of the event which began in 2005. Activities begin at 5 PM when the Ski Snow Valley Barrie SnoTube slide opens up for the night. For the past several years a lack of snow slowed down the tube riders a bit as they whizzed down the slide. This year with the snow on the ground, they should fly even further and enjoy their trip. Around 6:30, with the assistance of the Springwater Fire and Emergency Services volunteer firefighters, Santa will arrive by fire truck. This will be a perfect opportunity to get a photo with the jolly big man for those who want one. At 7PM the countdown will begin for the tree lighting followed by the lighting up of the sky with fireworks. As long as they last, hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served for everyone. There is no cost for this evening of fun but everyone is requested to bring a generous donation for the Elmvale and District Food Bank as the CRA is collecting for them.
On Sunday the fun continues as the 27th annual Santa Claus parade takes to the streets of the village. There is a good contingent of entrants already who have indicated that they will join in the fun and more entries will be accepted. The parade will start off at the intersection of Laddies Lane and Pinery making its way through the community and ending this year along the new section of Ghibb St. The change this year is for the safety of the parade participants as the traffic along Horseshoe has increased dramatically over the past several decades and the CRA wants everyone to be safe. At the end of the parade along Ghibb, there will be hot chocolate and cookies available for everyone and of course the seasonal greetings from the local parliament representatives and Springwater Council. The Simcoe County Paramedics Toy Drive will be accepting donations along the parade and food donations will be accepted to the Elmvale Food Bank. The parade route is posted to the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page and watch the page for updates. For those hosting driveway parade parties, it is asked that you work with your neighbours and friends and keep parking off the route or to one side so that safe passage can be found.
The community’s efforts to support the food bank have been greatly appreciated to date. Until December 16 there are 3 drop off locations accepting donations on the weekends. They are 2 Alexander, 8 Luella and 7 Ghibb. If you can share with those less fortunate, please do so in order that the food bank can continue to help well into the new year. For those wishing to make a financial donation the link is https://elmvaledistrictfoodbank.net/donation.
The South Springwater Fire Fighters Association Christmas tree sale continues on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday at 1027 Bayfield St.N., Midhurst at the site of the Ice Cream Hut and Linda’s. If you are looking for a live tree this is the place to go. Proceeds from the sale go to the local charities that the firefighters support.
Minesing will be hosting their annual Christmas Tractor Parade on Friday, December 13 beginning at 6:30. This is a great new tradition and it’s a sight to see. Donations for the food bank are accepted during the parade as well so consider taking it in.
There are many wonderful Christmas displays lighting up our community at this time of the year. On a snowy evening photos will be taken and a short movie will be posted on the facebook page so everyone can enjoy them.
Remember to check the Facebook page for community updates as the administrators are working diligently to keep the community informed.
That’s all for this week, looking forward to a fun Christmas in the Village weekend so until then, THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.