KAGAWONG—Once again it is time for Christmas in Kagawong. The annual event takes place next Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 at the Park Centre, which means 12 hours of shopping and caroling along with many other activities.
Members of the Billings Economic Development Committee (EDC) have been hard at work putting the two-day event together. The doors open at 3 pm on Friday afternoon and people can shop until 9 pm. Those coming from work can enjoy a tourtiere dinner (on the main level) and then head upstairs for a little retail therapy.
Sharon Alkenbrack, chair of EDC, has been involved with the event for many years and, along with her elves, has created a full weekend of activities which should please every member of the family.
St. John the Evangelist Church choral singers will lead the public in singing their favourite tunes starting Friday evening. While enjoying the music, shoppers can check out the bake sale and new angel display.
Saturday will see another full day of shopping, caroling and many other attractions, one of which is the teddy bear display at the Old Mill Heritage Centre.
Lunch will be available at the Park Centre (main level) from 11 am to 2 pm.
The Library is open for Christmas storytelling for the little ones who will receive a visit from Santa from 2 to 3 pm.
Members of the Billings Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand at the Old Mill to give out hats and provide children an opportunity to sit in the fire truck and maybe even press the button to sound the siren.
Friends of Billings Library (FOBL) is hosting the second annual silent auction. “An important aspect of this year’s auction will be to focus on the unique, high quality talents and skills of local artists, artisans, craftspeople and service people so that, as well as helping our library, the silent auction can become a showcase for the amazing talents our community is blessed with,” FOBL treasurer Barb Bright said. “In support of this focus, we will celebrate the creative and skilled individuals responsible for the donation with bios and contact information being part of the display.”
Some of the items included this year are fused glass art, children’s hammocks, yoga and zumba class passes, and a song written and recorded for you, to name a few.
Ms. Bright told The Expositor that last year FOBL approached people to donate items and this year people actually sought out the members to offer items for the auction. Tickets are still available for the quilt raffle (to be drawn during Christmas in Kagawong) but are limited. The quilt is on display at the library.
EDC will be selling poinsettias to raise funds to plant more daffodil bulbs (in the village) next fall. “Nine-hundred have been planted this year, 300 of which are pink. And next year specialty bulbs will be planted,” stated Ms. Alkenbrack.
“A Christmas (business and home) decorating contest open for anyone in Billings Township is new this year. The winner will receive a basket full of goodies,” said Ms. Alkenbrack.
Christmas In Kagawong truly is a community event.
Sharon Jackson
