by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
Baby, it was cold outside on Saturday, but that did not stop individuals from attending the third annual Santa’s Village, which transformed Essex Centre’s Heritage Garden Park into a holiday destination.
Families were invited to enjoy Canada’s most southern Santa Village, which offered a full slate of activities, from a large vendors’ market – where event-goers were able to shop for perfect holiday-themed gifts and decor – to live music and entertainment, and food court.
Special youth-orientated activities included craft making and cookie decorating, and a chance to visit Santa inside the historic Essex Railway Station, which was decorated in a winter-theme for the big occasion. Youths were also able to hop onto a trackless train for a scenic ride around the park, and enjoy a carnival ride.
New this year, families were invited to the Heritage Garden Park on Friday, December 13, the night before Santa’s Village took place, to watch a Christmas movie under a heated tent.
Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais is the Santa’s Village Chairperson. She said everything went off perfectly on Saturday.
Though it is difficult to determine how many attended, she suspects there was less children onside, judging by the amount of kids’ craft items that were leftover, likely due to the colder weather. There were possibly more adults taking advantage of the event, however, stopping in to peruse the vendors’ market or buy a Christmas tree.
The cold did make it difficult for many to want to spend the day onsite, but did help enhance that winter wonderland atmosphere indicative of Christmas Day.
“We were just missing the little snowflakes, which would have brought the magic,” McGuire-Blais said.
Members of the Santa’s Village Committee work throughout the year to ensure the event is not only happening, but is free to attend.
She continues to be grateful to those who sponsor, volunteer, or support the event in some way. Town of Essex staff are also appreciated in helping to make the committee’s ideas tangible. She also thanked the families of the volunteers and committee members who were onsite in the cold to help out in any way they could.
“We are looking forward to next year,” McGuire-Blais said, joking the committee “already put in the weather order.”
To learn more about the schedule of events or to sign-up as a volunteer, vendor, or sponsor, log onto www.santasvillageessex.com