“Let it Snow, let it Snow, let it Snow.” Those are part of the lyrics from a song written in July of 1945 and we hear every Holiday Season and last week we certainly felt it. While the weather outside wasn’t quite frightful, we did get an early wallop of snow which made everything white and bright. With any luck not all the snow will melt before our Christmas in the Village which is next weekend on Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14. It’s going to be a great couple of days and a fantastic way to cap off our Anten Mills Celebrating 150 Years.
On Saturday the evening will begin at 5PM when our friends from Ski Snow Valley will bring their SnoTube Slide for the kids,young and old,to get to experience what snow tubing at the ski hill is all about. As it supper time, don’t fear as hot dogs, potato chips, hot chocolate and cookies are going to be served. At the same time as this is going on there will be a Photo Booth setup to take those photos to cherish for years to come. As well and new this year there will be an opportunity to light up the pathway with your white bag creations. Markers and glow sticks will be available to decorate and place along the garden path and take home afterwards if you wish.
Around 6:30, the person everyone wants to see, Santa Claus will arrive. Our great volunteer firefighters will be bringing Santa on a fire truck and reports are that he can’t wait to be in our community again this year. There will be the opportunity for photos with Santa and to check out the fire truck. Then at 7PM, Santa with the help of everyone will start the countdown as we turn the lights on, the big tree and the ground displays. With the tree glowing, the sky is going to be next as fireworks will end the evening.
This entire evening is one for the family and thanks to the volunteers, the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association and some generous donations, the evening is free of charge. The only ask is that you help us support the Elmvale and District Food Bank by bringing a kind donation to keep their shelves full for the winter.
Sunday, December 14 the 28th annual Santa Claus parade makes its return to the village. A beloved tradition, it is one not to be missed. Kicking off at 1PM, the parade starting at the intersection of Laddies Lane and Pinery, will make its way through the community. There will be street entrants, family members and local businesses bringing joy and holiday greetings to everyone. Like many traditions, this one is no different as people gather together on street corners, in driveways and along the street waiting for the star of the event, Santa Claus. Again this year, thanks to our volunteer firefighters who have been a part of the parade since it’s beginning, they will be escorting Santa and Mrs.Claus on the route. Last year the parade route made a slight change and this year it will follow the same direction ending along the new section of Ghibb St. This was done for the safety of the parade participants and viewers as the traffic along Horseshoe Valley Road has drastically increased making it a challenge. At the end there will be hot chocolate waiting for everyone to enjoy along with seasonal greetings from our local dignitaries. If you are looking to donate a new unwrapped toy for the Simcoe County Paramedics Toy Drive, the opportunity to do so will be during the parade. Volunteers will be accepting them as they make their way through the parade . The parade route map will be posted on the Anten Mills Community Facebook page and the organizers request that if you are hosting a group anywhere along the route, that you have them park only on one side of the road as some of the floats are very large.
If you have the opportunity, why not take a stroll and perhaps a drive one evening and check out the great outdoor light displays in the community. Many families have created displays that are magical and worthy of the time to visit. Anten Mills has always been an area that has been on the list of the best outdoor displays in the area. A couple of areas that are exceptional are Binnie Drive and Horseshoe Valley Road so take some time and check them out.
That’s all for this week. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend so until then, THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE!