Festivities on deck in Mahone Bay
Community, school celebrations to mark town’s annual Season of Father Christmas Festival
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mahone Bay.
This weekend marks the opening of the town’s Season of Father Christmas Festival, a presentation of the Mahone Bay Signature Festivals Society.
“For 19 years, the Father Christmas festival has been bringing visitors to Mahone Bay to experience its seaside charm,” said society chair Sylvia Jackson. “The magic of Christmas will be celebrated, starting Nov. 24 (and running) through Dec. 24, with twinkling lights, greenery and decorations beautifying the town.”
Many of the festival’s favourite activities are back in the lineup, while others have been reimagined and new events have been added.
“Our handmade Father Christmas figures are ready for the season,” Jackson said. “Many have been refreshed and look forward to delighting young and old.”
One of the traditional attractions is the captivating Christmas fantasy display.
“The Bayview Community School Harry Potter volunteers will stage their creations with Christmas at Hogwarts, back from its previous location in Bridgewater and all dressed for the holidays, with a brand-new Yule Ball addition,” Jackson reported.
That fantasy production is featured on the Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 1-3 weekends and supports the Bayview school and the Mahone Bay Centre. Admission for those shows
is $5 per person or $20 per family.
Signs of the festive season will be apparent throughout town.
“A full-size Elf on the Shelf will travel through town each night, marking the days until Christmas,” said the festival organizer. “If you’re not sure how big he is, come and you will see.
“Christmas Card Corner will invite families and friends into a picture-perfect outdoor scene to take home a Mahone Bay memory to share.”
This year marks the fifth annual Reindeer Fun Run, during which about 400 participants light up the night in their colourful reindeerantler headpieces, red noses, costumes and bling.
“It truly is a sight to behold,” Jackson said.
The three-kilometre run/ walk starts at 6 p.m. and covers a closed course along Main Street. Cheer teams and musicians are expected to line the route. The event doubles as a charity, with money raised to support Shoes for Children.
“All funds for this program go to purchasing shoes for the South Shore schools, local churches and Schools Plus, a group helping at-risk families,” Jackson added.
Markets are a big part of the Father Christmas festival. This Saturday, Nov. 25, is labelled Market Day in the Bay.
The new Winter Vintage market promises “European market vibes,” featuring artisans, music and food along Main Street from noon to 7 p.m.
As part of its holiday market, Trinity United Church hosts a soup luncheon, “along with a makers’ market, music and some regifting.”
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church has also scheduled a Christmas market and holiday bake sale.
Elsewhere on the 25th, the Mahone Bay Centre has planned a full day of activities, including the Merry Mahone Bay Market, drive-thru decorating kits of gingerbread and tiny trees, plus a book sale.
The evening entertainment features South Shore Summer Theatre with a presentation of its Cozy Christmas Cabaret, beginning at 7 p.m.
Jackson advised that new activities were being added to the festival schedule, with updates being posted to Facebook and Instagram (mahonebaychristmas).
“We look forward to welcoming you at the Season of Father Christmas,” she said. “Stroll around and enjoy the Town of Christmas Abundance.”
The Mahone Bay Signature Festivals Society is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Its members “make and create for the love of scarecrows, Father Christmas and Mahone Bay.”
For more information, email festivalsofmahonebay@ gmail.com.