Mayor Dave Augustyn’s column for the week of 12 December 2016
The snow this weekend in Niagara seemed to tie the great spirit of Christmas together in
Pelham.
The holiday spirit began early in Pelham on November 2 when several businesses hosted
holiday open houses in Downtown Fonthill. Despite the rain that evening, there was a good
crowd – including a Santa with an umbrella – to try to start-up the season.
Over the following weeks, the Town began decorating much of Pelham – from Peace Park and
the Bandshell in Fonthill, to Town Hall, to hydro poles in Pelham’s urbanized areas, to the
flagpole and trees in Fenwick.
And, some very dedicated, community-minded elves took it upon themselves to “spruce-up”
our Town. While the rest of us were sleeping or working, these elves decorated almost every
utility pole and light standard in sight using evergreen boughs and red bows. So many of us
appreciate their annual efforts!
Then, the Fonthill Firefighters Association took the lead for the turkey raffle tradition, followed
closely by the Fenwick Firefighters and the Fonthill Lions (with a chili cook off to boot).
Thanks to “Christmas In Pelham” volunteers and Town staff for organizing the fourth Christmas
Under the Arches / Outdoor Christmas Market in Fonthill on December 2. The hundreds
participating and the venders, services clubs, and musicians helped make the event wonderful
and vibrant.
Then, hundreds and hundreds shared the true spirit of generosity on December 3th for the 26th
Annual Pelham Food Drive for Pelham Cares. Thank you to each of the donors and all the
volunteers that went door-to-door to support those less fortunate in our Town. Thanks, as well,
for those volunteers unpacking, sorting, and repacking non-perishable food. Finally, thanks to
the businesses who donated food and funds so that volunteers were fed and the event was
publicized.
And, have you seen the Temperanceville Historic Display this year? Check out Pelham’s history,
caringly modeled in Peace Park until January 1.
This past weekend, the Fabulous Fenwick Lions and others in the community organized
Pelham’s annual Santa Claus Parade. The extra-long parade ended with “Buddy the Elf” driving
Santa through Downtown Fenwick and past the special, community Christmas Tree. Thanks also
to the Lions for organizing free treats and time with Santa at Centennial Park.
Add to all this the Christmas concerts at our schools, the annual Fonthill Kinsmen Seniors’
Dinner, the greeting cards, and all the celebrations at Pelham’s churches, and we are doing well
to prepare for and to celebrate Christmas.
Council and I hope that you and your family experience the joy of the spirit of Christmas this
holiday season. We also wish you all the best in 2017!
You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at
www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.com.
