Santa arrives in Windsor

Santa Claus made his grand appearance in downtown Windsor to a throng of excited children, Friday evening, Dec. 5. The Windsor Volunteer Fire Department had transported the jolly ol’ elf all the way from the North Pole to Water Street to join in the festivities.

Just moments before, the 27-foot Christmas tree was lit with more than 4,000 twinkling lights, marking the spot for Santa.

The very gracious Clause delighted well over a hundred youngsters with his cheery ‘ho-ho-ho’s’ and bag of candy canes.

Both Mayor Paul Beazley and Hants West MLA Chuck Porter were on hand to open the annual tree lighting ceremony. Beazley took a moment to encourage residents to shop local this Christmas, adding that rumours abound that certain items such as socks and undergarments are a hard find in Windsor these days. With humour Beazley promised next year would be different. “It is my Christmas wish that by next year everyone in Windsor will have socks and underwear.”

Downtown Windsor Merchants member Mary Ruffel has organized the event for more than three decades. She was very pleased with the large turnout this year and the size of the tree, which had been harvested at a New Ross tree farm.

The Valley Voices were in attendance again this year to help ring in the season and Utata Gallery opened their doors to warm hands and hearts with homemade cookies and hot cocoa.