Free hot dogs and hot chocolate at Tavistock parade mark 50 years of East Zorra-Tavistock

From left, Amy Pfaff (township finance), Paul Albrecht (spouse of EZT health and safety officer Jennifer Albrecht), Mayor Phil Schaefer and EZT councillor and Tavistock firefighter Scott Zehr keep parade watchers fed as part of East Zorra-Tavistock’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Gary West photo

By Gary West

This year’s Santa Claus parade in Tavistock came with an extra helping of community spirit as East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) marked the 50th anniversary of amalgamation with a free barbecue for everyone along the route.

EZT Mayor Phil Schaefer, joined by township staff, firefighters and volunteers, spent the afternoon handing out all-beef hot dogs and hot chocolate before, during and after the parade. The giveaway was part of a year-long celebration recognizing the 1975 merger of East Zorra Township and the Village of Tavistock.

The mayor said the gesture was meant simply as a thank-you to residents.

“We wanted everyone who came out to enjoy the parade to have a warm drink and a hot dog,” Schaefer said, adding with a laugh that more than one person asked whether they were serving “Oscar MAYOR” hot dogs. By the end of the event, 324 hot dogs had been served along with gallons of hot chocolate.

The 50th anniversary celebrations will continue through December. Schaefer said the township will serve free hot dogs and hot chocolate again at the “Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus” event in the township parking lot in Hickson on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. The following day, council and staff will enter a festive float in the Innerkip Santa Claus Parade.

The mayor said he was grateful for the many residents who stopped to offer thanks, appreciation and even the occasional piece of advice.

“Positive comments and suggestions are always welcome,” he said.