Dave Ogilvie
Christmas is a time for family reunions and spending time together.
As such, Emo’s Chamber of Commerce this year has made a special effort to plan activities during “Holly Daze” that parents and their children can do together.
Whether it’s checking out the toy displays at Tompkins Home Hardware or John Deere, skating on the outdoor rink, or just sliding on the hill across from the library, the 2010 edition of Emo’s annual festive celebration definitely should appeal to the young and the young at heart.
The Rainy River District Women’s Institute’s Museum invites everyone to experience a “Pioneer Christmas” there on both Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
They will be hosting their famous bake and craft sale in the first museum building while the draw for the quilt being raffled will be held on Saturday.
Staff members would like to invite everyone, especially families, to drop by the museum to see what Christmas was like in pioneer times, as well as pick up some baking for the season.
Another activity the children will be sure to enjoy is having their pictures taken with Santa at the Emo Legion from 1-3 p.m.
Parents either can pay a sitting fee or make a donation to the Emo food bank.
The highlight for many children no doubt will be the annual “Holly Daze” Christmas parade.
Participants and their floats will be gathering at Donald Young School at 5 p.m., with the parade leaving at 6 p.m. sharp.
Whether it’s watching the parade while sipping on some hot chocolate, or participating by sitting on a float, the parade for the families who attend seems a fitting way to start the holiday season.
And don’t forget to bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food bank.
The Calvary Baptist Church then will hold a family movie night following the parade and fireworks.
This year, rather than have a separate program for kids, church members wanted to show something that parents and children could enjoy together.
The first movie, entitled “Martin the Cobbler,” is a claymation classic based on Leo Tolstoy’s tale, “Where Love is God is.”
It is a touching story of how an older man finds hope and peace in the cold of winter by learning to think of others besides himself.
The second movie will be the ever-popular “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
This year’s “Holly Daze” certainly has something for everyone in the family.
