KAGAWONG—It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Ontario’s Prettiest Village.
Once again it is time for Christmas in Kagawong. This year’s two-day event takes place November 21 and 22 at the Park Centre which means 10 hours of shopping and so much more.
Members of the Billings Economic Development Committee (EDC) have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on the event before the doors open at 4 pm on Friday afternoon. Everyone can enjoy a homemade tourtiere dinner (on the main floor from 5 to 7:30 pm) and then head upstairs for a little retail therapy until 8 pm.
On Saturday the doors re-open at 10 am.
Sharon Alkenbrack, chair of EDC, has been involved in planning the annual event for many years along with her elves and has created a full weekend of activities sure to please every member of the family.
“Christmas in Kagawong,” said Ms. Alkenbrack, “began in the early 90s as Christmas in the Park organized by Manitoulin Chocolate Works and done so beautifully—decorating and coordinating with the town shops, churches and many committee members.”
“Manitoulin Chocolate Works passed the event to the Billings Recreation Committee and we have continued to keep it going as Christmas in Kagawong,” she added.
“This year,” shared Ms. Alkenbrack, “we have vendors from Sudbury along with many of our local vendors. We have a wonderful blend of Christmas baking and shopping available.”
St. John the Evangelist Church choral singers will lead the public in singing their favourite tunes. While enjoying the music, shoppers can check out the bake and craft sale, angel display and enjoy a cup of cider.
Saturday’s day of shopping winds down at 4 pm.
Visitors can enjoy the ever growing teddy bear exhibit at the Old Mill Heritage Centre on Saturday. Last year over 200 bears were on display.
Members of the Museum Board will don aprons and serve lunch from 11 am to 2 pm on the main floor of the Park Centre.
91 Main Street (beside the Fire Hall on the corner of Carter Crescent and Main Street), which houses the Spot Fitness Centre and 4elements Living Arts, will be host to an Open House from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.
The Spot underwent renovations earlier this year and several pieces of fitness equipment were generously donated by members of the community. Former and current members, along with the general public, are invited to try out the new equipment and enter draws and may even win a door prize.
4elements Living Arts moved into the upper level of 91 Main in June and Executive Director Sophie Edwards and intern Kendra Edwards have been busy with after school art projects and other activities. A ‘Community wish tree’ will be set up in front of the building and during their open house, people can write out their wish for the community and hang it on the tree. Come check out the kids’ art studio and enjoy hot drinks and cookies.
The Library is hosting Christmas stories for the little ones along with a visit from Santa at 1 pm. Kids are encouraged to bring their Letter to Santa.
Members of the Billings Volunteer Fire Department will be at the Old Mill to give out hats and to children who maybe even get a chance to sit in the front seat of the fire truck and sound the siren.
Friends of Billings Library (FOBL) is hosting their annual silent auction. “Over 50 items/goods and services have been donated this year,” shared FOBL member Rachel Valade. This number is up from last year.
Some of the items include guitar lessons, mulch from Taylor’s Sawmill, a load of crushed gravel from Randy Noble Trucking, Zumba class passes, a baby quilt, homemade cutting board and a mounted print of Mudge Bay at sunset, just to name a few.
“All proceeds from the silent auction go towards the purchase of books for the Library,” said Ms. Valade.
Be sure to buy a Christmas ball and head outside for the Running of the Balls at 3 pm. Balls are $2 each.
And the ladies from St Paul’s United Church are selling tins of home baked goods. Be sure to come early to avoid disappointment.
“Christmas in Kagawong truly is a community event,” shared Ms. Alkenbrack.
