Parade to highlight ‘Holly Daze’ festivities

With Emo’s annual “Holly Daze” festivities going this Friday and Saturday (Dec. 1-2), Chamber of Commerce president Colleen Vennechenko hopes to see a good crowd out celebrating the season.
“We’re hoping for good weather,” she remarked, though admitting she doesn’t know whether there will be snow for sliding and skating at the tennis courts.
“We’re trying to get the ice in, but I don’t know if we will be able to,” she said.
But Vennechenko feels it’s the parade—an event not held during “Holly Daze” in recent years—that will be the highlight of the weekend.
“Plans are going well,” she stressed. “We’ve had a lot of good response for the parade. It’s looking great.
She had about 17 floats confirmed to participate as of Monday.
“I just hope everyone who said yes is going to do it,” she added, noting 20 floats would be wonderful.
Vennechenko said she’d also like to get a parade line-up put together to help with the organization and flow.
“I think the parade will be it,” she enthused. “I hear people talking about it and I think it’s just great.”
She noted churches, businesses, organizations, and community groups will be participating. One float is set to include a nativity scene and some animals, and a few horse and riders also have indicated an interest.
“It’s good because everybody likes to see the horses,” Vennechenko said.
The parade is scheduled to leave from Donald Young School at 6 p.m. on Friday, heading across Roy Street, down Queen Street to Front Street, and then dispersing at the Golden Age Manor.
Volunteers will be out collecting for the Emo food bank. Other events scheduled for Friday include an open house at the Rejuvenate Fitness Club from noon-4 p.m., Scrap-a-Bit scrapbooking at Knox United Church from noon-9 p.m., and fireworks at the Lions Park following the parade (hot chocolate will be available at the pavilion).
In addition, people will be able to register at participating businesses for more than $500 in gift certificates on both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday’s activities begin with more scrapbooking and an open house at Rejuvenate Fitness Club at 9 a.m.
The crowning of Emo’s “Biggest Loser” will take place at the Corner Closet at 10 a.m. while the annual “Crafts Galore” sale will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Emo Legion, with soup and sandwiches being available.
Children are invited to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus at the toy library from 1-3 p.m. Then at 3 p.m., a random draw will take place at Tompkins Hardware for the remaining berths in next year’s Emo Walleye Classic.
The festivities will conclude at 4 p.m. with the crowning of the “Beautiful Christmas Baby” and the draw for Emo Chamber dollars at Rejuvenate. As well, the winner of the gingerbread house contest will be announced at the Emo Public Library.
“I think it’s going to be great like usual,” Vennechenko enthused. “I hope a lot of people come out.”