Get ready for ‘Holly Daze’

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
At least, that’s what organizers of the annual “Holly Daze” festivities in Emo are hoping for.
Scheduled this year for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, a Santa Claus parade will be held at 6 p.m. on the Friday, followed by fireworks.
Pictures with Santa Claus then will be held on the Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Emo Legion. The cost is $2 or a donation to the food bank.
Besides various sales at Emo businesses over the two days, the annual “Crafts Galore” sale will be held at the Emo Legion on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Co-ordinator Jane Allan said about 20 craft tables will be set up, with a soup and sandwich luncheon also being offered for $5 per person.
A penny sale also will be held this year in support of the local Sea Cadets corps, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
Terry Newman, commanding officer of the Sea Cadets since 1998, said the money raised will go directly to the Emo Navy League, which will be used for items like rent at the Emo curling rink, where the cadets parade, and a telephone business line.
The Department of National Defence only pays for uniforms, training, and officers, said Newman, noting the rest of the corps’ expenses have to be covered by sponsors.
And once again, customers are invited to enter for a chance to win two prizes of $250 in “Emo bucks,” which can be used to purchase goods at participating Emo merchants.
In related news, a Beautiful Baby Contest is being held once again during the Christmas season.
Though Cheryl Curtis, owner of Meyer’s Clothing in Emo, is having her “first crack” at running it, she said the rules will be the same as last year.
Open to babies up to 18 months of age, those interested in entering can drop off the pictures (unframed and no larger than a 5”x7”) by Nov. 24.
The unidentified pictures then will be displayed from Nov. 26-Dec. 15, with the public voting for their favourite by making a monetary donation in the corresponding container. The baby picture that garners the most money is the winner.
Proceeds from the contest will go towards the proposed spray park in Emo.
People can pick up the rules for the contest at Meyer’s Clothing (the pictures will be returned afterwards).