‘Tis the Season
New Waterford area knows how to celebrate the holidays
Driving through the New Waterford community, it’s not hard to see residents are in the holiday spirit, many going above and beyond with their colourful lights to celebrate the season.
Many have asked when is the perfect time to begin decorating for the Christmas season? Many believe the official start to the holiday season is the first weekend of December when the annual Christmas Daddies Telethon takes place but that’s certainly not the case in New Waterford.
The holiday season begins well before December with many residents kicking off their holiday decorating the last weekend in November, a weekend most declare the official start to the season with the annual Combined Christmas Giving Telethon and Auction as well as the Christmas parade taking place over a two-day period in New Waterford.
This year, the annual Combined Christmas Giving Telethon and Auction fell on Nov. 25, taking place at Rack N’ Roll Billiards on Plummer Avenue. The telethon and auction was once again successful, raising $40,000 for families needing assistance this holiday season.
The following day, Nov. 26, the town’s annual Christmas parade was held, which organizers are deeming successful with many new and unique floats participating this year, not to mention a large turnout of those watching the event.
Organizers of both the Combined Christmas Giving Telethon and Auction and Christmas parade should be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the community and a big congratulations is certainly in order.
Within the week leading up to the Christmas parade, work crews could be seen throughout New Waterford’s downtown core decorating the trees from Mahon Street to King Street with white lights, only adding to the holiday feel in the community.
Local businesses in the community also began preparing their store fronts for the holiday season, many having their windows painted with holiday features, with one business, Dale’s Hairdressing on the main street, even putting a large nutcracker outside near the front entrance of the shop, which plays Christmas music during the day.
If the bright colours, beautiful window paintings, and Christmas songs in stores didn’t get you in the holiday spirit, the second annual Santa in the Park event at Davis Square in the community may have.
The event, sponsored by Dale’s Hairdressing, was held on Dec. 3 and featured an afternoon of Christmas carols from the fifth New Waterford Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides, and also included live music by Falcon Ridge. A tree lighting ceremony was also held that day as well as a special visit from Santa Claus, much to the pleasure of the children in attendance.
Meanwhile, Dale’s Hairdressing has also sponsored a house lighting contest for those residents living in District 11. The registration deadline for the event, which has become popular in recent years, was Friday, Dec. 15, with the top three houses in the district winning cash prizes of $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. The winners will be announced Sunday at 7 p.m.
Service clubs in the community have also been active this holiday season, some holding holiday Christmas parties for the general public as well as events for members, while other groups have held special Christmas breakfasts to celebrate the season.
Of course, once Christmas Day is over and things become a little less stressful for residents, the fun doesn’t stop in New Waterford.
The annual Boxing Day Bash featuring Matt Minglewood at Rack N’ Roll Billiards has been a tradition in the community, and will once again take place this year on Dec. 26. Meanwhile, up the road at the newly opened Area 27 Sports Bar and Grill, the band Headspin will perform on Boxing Day. There will be other events planned throughout the community, giving residents lots of options to meet up with old friends and celebrate the season.
As for new years festivities, there are dances and special events planned to ring in 2018 in New Waterford at your favourite locations.
All communities have their special way of celebrating the holidays and New Waterford is no different than others but it’s nice to see community groups and local businesses coming together to make the season special for everyone, young and old alike, and going above and beyond to spread the spirit throughout the town.
Happy Holidays, New Waterford and area!