The Town of New Glasgow has plenty of holiday activities to get you into the spirit of the season.
The Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting are planned for Saturday, Dec. 9. “Float entries are coming in fast, and furious this year, but we can always fit in more – the more the merrier as they say,” says Paula Munroe Fraser, longtime parade volunteer.
The parade will leave the old John Brother MacDonald parking lot at 5:30 p.m. making its way to East River Road, and Archimedes Street, rounding to Provost Street and ending at the top of town.
“We couldn’t be happier with the community support of our Santa parade,” Art MacLean, New Glasgow firefighter and co-chair of the 2017 parade, said. “We’ve been overjoyed at the sponsors and volunteers and entries that continue to come out every year and when new ones come on board it helps breathe new life into this cherished tradition.”
The honorary grand marshal for the 2017 parade are the staff and volunteers of the Roots for Youth House.
This year the committee has opted out of a theme for the parade, but instead are inviting the community to show what the holiday season means to you. There will be awards for float entries like every year.
“This year we are lucky to have the MacGillivary Law School Spirit award, which comes with a $200 cash prize” says program and events co-ordinator Janine Linthorne, “We are challenging the school to bring it, make it a hard decision, if you haven’t participated before or were on the fence, here’s your reason!”
There will also be awards for the Danny MacLeod Community Spirit Award, Best Festive Entry; Best Community Group; Best Commercial Entry; Best Horse Entry; Best Marching Group; Most Creative Costume; Best Overall Entry; Best Youth Float and the Best Musical Entry, which is being renamed the Carlton Munroe best Musical Entry.
Following the Christmas parade will be the town’s annual Christmas Tree Light Up at Glasgow Square, starting immediately after the parade at approximately 6:45 p.m.
“We want the fun, celebrations and spirit to continue for everyone who comes out to take in the festivities,” says Glasgow Square acting manager Paula Irving. “There will be music and dance selections from community members, Miss Carla’s dance is back, and we have the DeCoste Family as well as the Celtic Chords. We also will have a visit from a special guest!”
There are a number of other activities taking place this month as well including: Story Time with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 7, Christmas Lights Bus Tour on Dec. 14, Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Dec. 16, Christmas Carolling on Dec. 21 and Family Holiday Skate on Dec. 27. Visit www.newglasgow.ca for a full listing of events.
