“It
is the Season” as the saying goes.
Springwater
with its many unique communities have fantastic celebrations for their local
neighborhoods. Even though we have a lot of important things going on which I
could address, I want take this opportunity to address some of the celebrations
of this month.
Elmvale
Elmvale’s
Annual Tree lighting was great event with entertainment provided by Betty
Holiday, our local entertainer. With great weather the Gateway Park was crammed
to its limits. The BIA made this event a reality and with the continued
commitment by Doug Kirton and friends, the tree this year was spectacular. The
Minty family donated a new star to top off the tree. The annual Elmvale Santa
Claus parade saw the streets jam packed with spectators with hundreds of
children bursting with excitement to get their first glimpse of Santa this
year. A special thanks goes out to all those that made this annual celebration
just a little better than the year before.
Hillsdale
Hillsdale
hosted its first annual Christmas tree lighting and the residents responded
with a full house in the recently refurbished Community Centre, a great pride
and achievement by the many volunteers that pitched in. Santa also popped by
because he heard the people singing, “Here comes Santa Claus”, so he decided to
surprise them.
Anten Mills
Anten Mills
had a well-attended Tree lighting ceremony with carol singing and a magician entertaining
the young and old. It was followed by a spectacular fireworks display and Santa
dropped by compliments of transportation by Springwater Fire department as his
sleigh broke down on one of his test runs. Apparently he was getting a faulty
reading from the sleigh’s Clausometer but Santa says it will be ready to roll
by December 24th. One of the most unique and fun Santa Claus Parades
is the one in Anten Mills. With about a dozen floats created by the various
neighborhoods in Anten Mills, it was fun and extremely entertaining. You must
see it to understand what a tight and creative community exists in Anten Mills.
Minesing
Minesing’s
Holiday celebration was another star studded event with, tree lighting, craft
and Christmas gift displays, arts and crafts for the kids, great hot chocolate
and pizza and amazing face painting for the children. Swampy, the Minesing
mascot, came out of hibernation for the event. He said it was pretty warm in
the swamp and heard the carol singing, so he thought he would come and have a
gander. Swampy posed for pictures with Santa and was checking who was naughty
and nice. I pointed out a couple of naughty ones.
These
community celebrations are the life blood of Springwater. These events only
happen because of the dedication of those in the community that serve on the
local hall boards. We always need new faces and hands and voices. Springwater
is alive, vibrant and continues to be the preferred place to Live, Work and
Play in Simcoe County because of our local community pride. It can be found in
Elmvale, Hillsdale, Orr Lake, Fergusonvale, Phelpston, Anten Mills, Midhurst,
Snow Valley, Centre Vespra and surrounding smaller communities. All of us make
this possible. Let us all commit to do a little more for our local community in
the new year. Even committing one hour a week or month will make a big difference
and lighten the load for someone else.
On behalf
of my very special spouse Lorraine, my 5 children, my 11 grandchildren, I offer
my sincere wishes and God’s Blessing on all of you for making this year so
special.
Merry
Christmas and Wishing you a Prosperous 2016 New Year.
Bill
