Mayor Dave Augustyn’s column for the week of 20 November 2017
It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas – everywhere we go in Pelham.
The holiday spirit began early in Pelham when the Shoppes of Ridgeville hosted holiday open houses over the November 2-4 weekend. Then, the Fenwick United Church also got a jump on the season with Christmas crafts and gifts at their annual Fall Bazaar.
And, as if by the magic of St. Nick himself, Christmas street light decorations appeared throughout the Town this past week.
And, despite the rain last Wednesday, hundreds participated in the Holiday Gift Showcase & Downtown Stroll in Fonthill. Thanks to participating businesses and event organizers!
This past Saturday, I delighted in baked good, gifts, and crafts at the St. Ann’s Church and the North Pelham Presbyterian Church Christmas Bazaars, the Fonthill Lioness Kris Kringle “Quarter Auction” and the Rice Road Greenhouse Christmas Open House. But, that meant I couldn’t participate in the Fonthill United Church’s 14th Annual “Home for the Holidays” Christmas House Tour. I am informed that more than 450 people participated; congratulations to volunteers and organizers!
Over the upcoming weeks, some amazing community-minded volunteers will “spruce-up” the Town. While the rest of us are just waking up, these generous elves will decorate almost every utility pole and light standard in sight using evergreen boughs and red bows. So many of us appreciate their annual efforts!
Over coming weeks, Town Staff will also light-up 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.
This Friday, the Fonthill Firefighters Association will start the turkey raffle tradition, followed closely by the Fenwick Firefighters on December 1. If you haven’t attended before, not only is it lots of great fun, it supports the efforts of the Firefighters.
And try to check out the amazing craft sale hosted by the Friends of Maple Acre Library – this Friday and Saturday – at the Fire Station #2 in Fenwick.
Thanks to “Christmas In Pelham” volunteers and Town staff for organizing another Outdoor Christmas Market under the Arches in Fonthill on December 1. Hope you can check out the venders, music, food, holiday beverages, and carriage rides from 4PM…including Santa and his number one helper.
Then, hundreds and hundreds will share the true spirit of generosity on December 2nd for the Annual Pelham Food Drive for Pelham Cares. I hope you can volunteer and also remember to place your non-perishable food items outside your door after 9AM. Thank you!
Then, the Fabulous Fenwick Lions are planning for Pelham’s annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 9 from 1 – 5 PM in Downtown Fenwick and at Centennial Park.
There’s so many other Christmas and Holiday events and activities across our wonderful Town – including the Christmas tree lighting in Fenwick on December 2 or the Fonthill Kinsmen Seniors Dinner on December 12 at Old Pelham Town Hall. Please check out posters throughout Town or the Town’s website at www.pelham.ca/Christmas for a complete listing.
Council and I thank all the community partners who help make these events possible and who encourage each of us to get ready to experience the joy of the spirit of Christmas this holiday season.
You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.com .
