‘Holly Daze’ 2009 set to go

Dave Ogilvie

Plans for Emo’s “Holly Daze 2009” have been finalized and by all indications, it will be an extremely busy time for residents, businesses, and shoppers alike.
Scheduled for Dec. 4-5, the annual two-day festival will be an excellent opportunity for people from across the district to take part in the various activities around town—as well as take advantage of the special sales and promotions Emo’s merchants will be offering.
Shoppers can kick off “Holly Daze” on Friday by visiting participating businesses and entering their name to win one of two $250 gift certificates, and Meyers Clothing to place their vote for the most “Beautiful Baby.”
The voting, which will run Friday and Saturday, will be done by shoppers dropping coins into the bucket of their choice.
Funds raised from this year’s event will be go to support the Emo spray park.
Meanwhile, the annual “Holly Daze” parade will start at 6 p.m. on Friday (floats and participants are asked to assemble at Donald Young School at 5 p.m.)
The parade then will proceed from the school and travel west on Front Street to the hospital, where it will disband.
The Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary will be collecting non-perishable food during the parade for the Emo food bank. Please bring some food to share with others who are need at this time of year.
Also during the parade, the Emo recreation council will be serving hot chocolate and cookies on Front Street.
They also will be accepting donations for the food bank.
Following the parade, everyone is invited to remain on Front Street for a special fireworks display.
To complete Friday’s “Holly Daze” schedule, Calvary Baptist Church will be hosting a family movie night after the fireworks.
The movie, entitled “The Nativity Story,” will begin around 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and pop will be served.
There also will be optional activities and a kids’ movie, geared for those aged three-10, downstairs in the church.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
On Saturday, the Emo Legion will be a very busy place as “Crafts Galore,” featuring local artisans and home-run businesses, will run from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Shoppers looking for a handmade gift for that special person are invited to check out the various tables.
Of course, “Holly Daze” would not be complete without a visit from Santa. Children wishing to have their picture taken with jolly St. Nick can do so from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at the Emo Toy Library.
Also available this year will be hay rides and hot chocolate at Emo’s “Little House” from 1-3 p.m.
And on Saturday afternoon, St. Patrick’s CWL will be holding a Tea & Bake Sale in the church basement.
“Holly Daze” then will conclude Saturday afternoon with the draws for the two $250 gift certificates and the Knox United Church “theme baskets.”
By all indications, this may be the best “Holly Daze” ever!