Dave Ogilvie
It may have been the change in the weather or perhaps the sudden realization that Christmas is almost here.
Whatever the reason, people from across the district turned out in great numbers last Friday and Saturday to celebrate the annual “Holly Daze” festivities in Emo.
Despite the first really cold weekend of winter, people lined both sides of the street Friday evening, sipping on hot chocolate courtesy of the recreation committee, while they waited patiently for the arrival of the annual “Holly Daze” parade.
And those on hand were not disappointed as another excellent parade travelled via Front Street from Donald Young School all the way to the hospital and Golden Age Manor before dispersing.
Businesses, churches, community organizations, and even a curling team did a marvelous job of decorating their floats and vehicles with lights and other Christmas decorations.
Everyone seemed to have their favourite part of the parade. The children, for instance, definitely enjoyed seeing Santa and collecting candy tossed from the floats.
Others appreciated the time and effort that went into creating the colourful floats.
The hit of the parade for some, however, was the hot tub on wheels—complete with three members from a local curling team.
Clad only in Santa hats and shorts, the curlers waved enthusiastically to the crowd while they continued to enjoy the warmth of the water during the parade and throughout the fireworks display.
Despite the frosty weather, most people remained along Front Street to enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks after the parade.
Following the fireworks, about 75 people enjoyed the movie “The Nativity Story,” which was shown at the Calvary Baptist Church.
Games, activities, and a children’s movie also attracted nearly 30 children to the evening’s
celebrations.
Then Saturday, by all accounts, was a busy day for most businesses in Emo.
Rosanna Heatwole was extremely pleased with the number of people who visited her “Country Lane” bulk food store.
“On Friday alone, we doubled the sales of last year’s ‘Holly Daze,’” she enthused.
“We had people from all over the district drop in,” she added.
The staff at Meyers Clothing also were pleased with the turnout on Saturday. Shoppers dropped by to check out the sales, to vote for their favourite “Beautiful Baby,” and to place their bids on Knox United Church’s “Shiny Penny Table” theme baskets.
Over at Emo Drugs, shoppers were eager to take advantages of the sales, to purchase a Christmas present for that special someone, and to admire the store’s “new look.”
Meanwhile, the annual “Crafts Galore” event at the Emo Legion also was a busy place Saturday, with shoppers stopping by to look over the amazing crafts, to have a cup of coffee with friends, and to purchase tickets on the penny tables.
The appearance of Santa at 1 p.m. attracted many families with young children. For only $2 or a donation to the food bank, children had their picture taken with jolly St. Nick.
Many families, as well as shoppers both young and old, took advantage of the free hay rides, which left from Emo’s “Little House” on the corner and travelled around part of the village.
But the busiest place in Emo on Saturday afternoon seemed to be the basement of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where C.W.L. members were extremely pleased with the turnout for their annual tea and bake sale.
Tables were crowded with people enjoying the coffee, tea, sandwiches, and dainties. Many of those on hand also purchased tickets for the penny table, and bought baking and candy from the various tables around the room.
Organizers were extremely pleased to announce that nearly $1,400 was raised Saturday, especially considering that total does not include the results of one draw that will take place on Dec. 13.
The winners of this year’s “Holly Daze” gift certificates ($250 each) were Bertha Brown and Lucy Wilson.
The winners of the theme baskets were Tammi Foster, Derek Sigurdson, Dawson Azevedo, Coleen Cross, Edward Horton, Ruth Siemens, Gwen Curtis, Tanya Angus, Holly Witherspoon, Donna Haglin, Jeff Judson, Lorraine McDonald, Trudy Badiuk, Sandy Schrumm, and Heather Oltsher.
The “Beautiful Baby” contest will continue until Dec. 24.
Money raised will go to the Emo Spray Park, which still is in need of funds. So drop by Meyers Clothing, place a bid, and check out the ongoing sales there.
By all accounts, “Holly Daze” 2009 was a tremendous success.
Many shoppers took advantage of the sales and in-store specials offered at local businesses, a great deal of food was collected for the St. George’s food bank, and people from across the district gathered to celebrate the beginning of another Christmas season.
