Members of the Emo Chamber of Commerce decided Monday night to go ahead with a parade during this year’s “Holly Daze” festivities (Dec. 1-2) for the first time in several years.
But president Colleen Vennechenko stressed more floats are needed to make the Friday night event a success.
“We want it to be the best it can be,” she remarked, noting about 10 groups and businesses already have confirmed their participation in the parade, including the Christian Reformed Church, Norlund Oil, and Purple Llama Gifts.
“It would be great to get as many as we can,” added Tom Mosbeck of Tompkins Hardware, who suggested 10 floats be the minimum number of participants.
“Anybody and anything is welcome,” Vennechenko stressed. “The more, the merrier.”
Other churches, groups, businesses, and individuals throughout the community are encouraged to join in the parade.
Chamber members also decided on a route Monday night.
The parade will leave Donald Young School at 6 p.m. and head down Roy Street to Queen Street. Then it will take Front Street to Robert Street, go around behind the Golden Age Manor, and through its parking lot, ending back on Front Street by the hospital.
“That’s a good route—that way we can swing past both manors,” noted Norlund Oil owner Paul Koomans.
“And it’ll be close enough for people to wander over to the park for the fireworks afterwards,” echoed Vennechenko.
But it was stressed the parade must leave on time as that is typically a complaint from spectators.
“I’ll make sure the parade is rolling out of there at 6 p.m. sharp,” said Mosbeck.
Vennechenko also noted the rink at the tennis courts should be constructed for “Holly Daze” again this year—depending on Mother Nature, of course.
“If it’s cold enough, we’ll get the ice in there,” she pledged.
Friday’s events will include the parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks following at the Lions Park, as well as registering to win two $250 “Emo Bucks” gift certificates.
Saturday’s celebrations will feature pictures with Santa at the toy library (time not confirmed yet), the annual “Crafts Galore” sale at the Emo Legion, and a hockey skills competition at the tennis courts from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
The draw for the 10 remaining Emo Walleye Classic spots will be held at 3 p.m. at Tompkins Hardware, followed by the draw for the “Emo Bucks” at 4 p.m. at Rejuvenate Fitness Club.
Both days also can be spent voting for your favourite Christmas baby at Meyers Clothing and buying tickets on the gingerbread houses throughout the community.
Gaydonna Baker, organizer of the beautiful baby contest, noted yesterday that the deadline for submissions has been extended until this coming Monday (Nov. 27).
Entry forms can be picked up at Tompkins Hardware or Meyers Clothing, and can be dropped off at Meyers Clothing or mailed to Baker at Box 189, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
“If they are having trouble finding a photo with a Christmas background, they can just submit any picture,” Baker said, adding they will take the first 12 entries.
The voting will be done by placing donations into the corresponding can of the cutest baby.
Prizes will be given to the three babies who raise the most money, which will be donated to the “Just Imagine” campaign for a CT Scan at La Verendyre Hospital in Fort Frances.
Meanwhile, the Friends of the Library, along with the Emo Chamber, are hosting a Charity Challenge Gingerbread contest for businesses and organizations to create a house or winter scene with cookies or gingerbread.
These can be displayed at the business or in the window at Gillons’ Insurance.
“Each business or individual chooses a charity—it can be anything—and people buy tickets on the houses,” explained Tammy Kinnear. “All the money raised goes to the charity.”
Tickets are $1 each, and the winners of each creation will be drawn during “Holly Daze.”
Those interested in participating are asked to contact the Emo Public Library for more information.
In addition, the Friends of the Library will be selling Christmas wreaths out of “little house” during the “Holly Daze” celebrations.
“It would be great if people could pre-order,” she added, noting the wreaths cost $15 each and the money raised goes to the library.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
