Dave Ogilvie
Christmas is, by tradition, a time for children and the young at heart.
As such, “Holly Daze” festivities in Emo have, for many years, provided exciting activities for children from across the district.
This year’s annual celebration will be no different.
Despite the late arrival of snow, workers from Tompkins Home Hardware have been hard at working flooding the tennis court in order to create an outdoor skating rink.
If the weather stays cold (and it is forecast to do so), the rink should be ready just in time for “Holly Daze” this Friday and Saturday (Dec. 4-5).
Of course, the long-awaited snowfall also means the sliding hill should be in great shape by the end of the week.
Activities for children will begin Friday at 6 p.m. with the start of the Santa Claus parade.
Local merchants, churches, and various organizations have been busy creating their floats in order to make this year’s parade a success.
Then following the parade, there will be an exciting fireworks display along the river just opposite the CIBC.
Calvary Baptist Church will complete Friday’s activities with a family movie night.
The movie, “The Nativity Story,” will begin around 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and will include popcorn and pop.
As well, there will be all kinds of activities and a “kids” movie for the younger set (aged three-10) in the basement of the church.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Activities for children will continue Saturday with a visit by Santa.
All children wishing to have their picture taken with jolly St. Nick can do so from 1-3 p.m. at the Emo Toy Library.
This year, there also will be hay rides for the young and the young at heart along Front Street, starting at Emo’s “Little House” on the corner.
Hot chocolate will be served Saturday from 1-3 p.m.
Children also are encouraged to visit the Rainy River District Women’s Institute Museum on Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
There will be baking, crafts, and door prizes, and the W.I.’s new “Pioneer Christmas” exhibit will be open for viewing.
Every child who visits will get a free traditional Christmas cracker.
Meanwhile, several stores, including Emo Drugs, Tompkins Home Hardware, and DeGagne Equipment, all have an excellent selection of toys in stock—just waiting for eager young shoppers to pick out their favourite.
Whatever the activity, “Holly Daze” 2009 promises to be a wonderful time for both the young and young at heart.
