WHITEWATER REGION – In the 1970’s classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” a stop motion Christmas special released by Rankin-Bass Productions, Christmas Eve is referred to as, “the night of profound love.” Traditions associated with the Christmas holiday still include the giving of gifts, decorating of trees, sharing a special meal and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
The joy of this holiday will be celebrated with a variety of events throughout Whitewater Region over the next few weeks. On Saturday, November 30, people are able to attend a Christmas craft and bake sale at Caressant Care Retirement Residence in Cobden; a buffet breakfast, craft and bake sale hosted by the Westmeath and District Recreation Association (WDRA); and Cobden’s Santa Claus parade.
The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and will be led by the Renfrew Pipe Band, with the route beginning at the Cobden Fairgrounds. It will then progress down John St., turn right at the post office on Main St. and make a final right turn at Grace United Church. After the parade, children can meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Whitewater Community Hall, located at the back of Municipal Hall, 44 Main St., and is wheelchair accessible.
People are able to attend tree lighting and carol singing on Sunday, December 1 in both Beachburg and Westmeath. In Beachburg, the Lion’s Club is hosting the Lights of Hope celebration and in Westmeath, the WDRA is hosting their second annual Traditional Community Christmas. Westmeath’s celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. and Beachburg’s celebration begins at 7:00 p.m.
The following weekend continues with celebrations beginning on Friday, December 6 with the Christmas edition of Cobden’s Farmer’s Market. It is being held at the Cobden Agricultural Hall and Market Building, as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Cobden Branch. The event is also being held on Saturday, December 7.
The Beachburg Santa Claus Parade is happening on December 7 at 5:30 p.m. and the Westmeath Santa Claus Parade is being held on Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 p.m. The Beachburg Lion’s Club is having their annual Christmas dinner and raffle draw on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. and Opeongo High School is throwing their Mistletoe Masquerade formal on Friday, December 13 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Cobden Recreation Association hosted a Christmas lights decorating contest and the contest closed yesterday. Winners of the home category will be announced at their annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Park event on Sunday, December 22.
Any readers who attend these events are invited to submit photographs by email to [email protected].
