The council of Tay Township is anticipating a dazzling, Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Talbot Park this Sunday, and wants residents and visitors to take in the festive sights and sounds starting at 4 p.m.
In advance of the newly planted 16-foot Douglas Fir located at the Tay Community Rink, 560 Calvert Street in Port McNicoll, members of council spoke highly of its appearance and installation.
“Make yourself available, please come and join us,” said Coun. Paul Raymond. “It’ll be a good time.
“We have all new lights to be put on it; a few activities happening. It’ll be a big event… and rumours are Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there.”
The township is reminding families to bring their cameras to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Free skating will begin at 4 p.m., with free hot chocolate and hot dogs available for attendees. At the firepit will be free s’mores, and visitors can also enjoy free facepainting, goodies, and more.
Coun. Sandy Talbot laughed as she shared an anecdote in which she was unaware the Douglas Fir had been recently planted, and was left wondering why a new tree was requested when “there’s nothing wrong with the tree there”.
“I thought it was so cute, because it is a lovely tree by the way; a lovely addition to the park,” said Talbot.
Mayor Ted Walker called the Christmas tree “beautiful” and told MidlandToday that he wasn’t expecting the event to resemble more recent tree lighting events such as the Orillia illumination last year which went viral on social media for its disappointment.
“I hope not,” laughed Walker. “I thought of that; I thought: ‘Oh boy’.
“So far in all the Tay tree lightings, we’ve been lucky. Staff have been really diligent in making sure it works.
During the meeting, council members also reminisced in good humour about the inclement weather of that distant year, which had raised doubts to one questionably-placed extension cord connection in particular.
“It was really pouring rain and we were worried it wouldn’t light up but it did,” said Walker.
For this year’s tree lighting in Talbot Park, safety was noted as a priority.
“It’d be nice there (at the Tay Community Rink) because kids could skate, and it’s a good family spot,” said Walker. “The other one was a little bit crowded, with street corners and stuff. This should be a lot better.”
For the event, Tay Township wished to send thanks toward: Port McNicoll Youth Activity Group, Port McNicoll Fire Department and Library, Port McNicoll Lions Club, Port McNicoll Legion Branch 545, and more.
Details on the Tay Township tree lighting ceremony are available on the events calendar of the municipal website.
