Parade to start Christmas events in Tillsonburg

By Jeff Helsdon

The annual Santa Claus parade, this year on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., will start Christmas events in Tillsonburg.

Organized by the Optimist Club, the parade switched to a night format last year from the long-standing tradition of having it in the afternoon. Parade co-chair and Optimist secretary Lindsay Munroe said there was a lot of enthusiasm from town residents with the change. She said it was the longest parade in recent history, with close to 70 floats.

“They were all decorated out with lights and Christmas spirit. It was great,” she said.

One change to the route last year was to pass by both Maple Manor and the hospital, which received positive feedback.

“This year we have already communicated with them the parade will go by their locations,” Munroe said. “It sounds like they are gearing for their residents and their families to watch once more with us.”

Due to the size of the parade and traffic considerations, the route will be slightly altered this year. It will start behind Avondale Avondale United Church, go down Harvey to Oxford Street, then down Baldwin Street to Bridge Street. From Bridge, it will turn on Rolph Street to go by the hospital, then up Bear Street to Broadway, and from Broadway to Brock and back to the church parking lot.

Munroe understands that several businesses and churches on the route will provide hot chocolate for parade watchers.

Many favourites are returning to the parade with the stilt walker and musical bands. After receiving feedback from parade patrons, some new musical entertainers were added this year.

“If they become new fan favourites, we will look at rebooking those,” Munroe said.

She noted that the MP and MPP will not be in the parade this year due to a scheduling conflict with Woodstock’s parade. Munroe understands they will alternate in the future.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade can find more information on the Tillsonburg and Area Optimist Club Facebook page or e-mail tillsonburgoptimistclub@gmail.com. The club is also looking for sponsorship from local businesses. These funds are used to help offset the cost of the bands in the parade, which Munroe noted increases annually.

Holiday Tour of Homes returns

This year's exciting festive season news is the return of the Holiday Tour of Homes. Taking place Nov. 23 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., this event will feature six different locations in Tillsonburg decked out in their Christmas finest.

“All of the homes on the tour are absolutely stunning homes that are incredibly excited about being part of the tour again,” said Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre.

The Holiday Tour of Homes was a long-standing seasonal event in Tillsonburg, but was cancelled in 2019 due to the pandemic.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the event. They are available at the Station Arts Centre, Purplemartin Boutique in Delhi, and Tillsonburg Garden Gate.

“It’s a great way for people to get into the inspirational vibe for the holidays, seeing what other people do with their homes and getting into the Christmas festive spirit,” Verbuyst said.

The Station Arts Centre is again hosting its Holiday Arts Market. More than 20 vendors will have tables set up with holiday décor and gifts. The market will run from Dec. 2 to 19 during the centre’s normal hours, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also new this year, Thompson Goosens Accountants will sponsor a children’s card-making workshop at the Station Arts Centre on Dec. 7 and 14.

Downtown

The Tillsonburg BIA and Tillsonburg Library will be hosting Family Festive Flicks at the library. A variety of Christmas movies will be played on Fridays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13. The library will also have a teens craft program on Nov. 19. The BIA has promotional events planned for downtown.

“We will also be launching our Hometown Catalogue in November which is reminiscent of the old Sears catalogue. This will feature many of the small businesses within Downtown Tillsonburg, highlighting holiday offerings, sales, discounts and more,” said Vanessa Fortner, Events and Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Tillsonburg BIA. The group will also be running its downtown gift care program.

Annandale House events

Several events are planned for Annandale National Historic Site, the highlight of which is the Christmas at Annandale NHS open house, during which volunteers decorate every floor.

“We are always excited to see what our amazingly-talented decorators will come up with year after year,” said Kathleen Watkin, culture and heritage program coordinator.

The official grand opening of Christmas At Annandale NHS is at the tree lighting ceremony on the lawn on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. The public is invited inside for light refreshments following the ceremony and to view the Christmas exhibit “Faux Christmas Tree.” Admission throughout the weekend is by donation. Special Christmas open house hours are Friday, November 22nd, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, November 23rd, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. After that, the public can view the Christmas exhibit during regular Christmas hours.

Several other festive events are planned for Annandale NHS. These include a Christmas ornament workshop on Nov. 13, school programs and a Faux Christmas Tree Tea on Dec. 20. Annandale House will host the mayor’s levee on Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.