by Sylene Argent
Santa’s sleigh bells could be heard chiming blocks away as he greeted the boys and girls of McGregor at its parkette on a very magical evening last Friday.
The Stroll by Santa event not only offered the McGregor community a chance to meet the big guy in red and pass along last-minute Christmas wishes, there were opportunities to take holiday-themes selfies, eat a hot do, drink a hot chocolate, enjoy some treats, and listen to festive music in celebration of the holiday season.
Councillor Kim Verbeek was pleased with the event turnout. She noted the first 70 youths at the event were presented with a special stuffed animal from Santa, as a pre-Christmas gift. All the youths who attended received a candy bag.
She estimated over 200 individuals strolled through the parkette during the event. She said volunteers kept individuals moving through the line-up in keeping with the Health Unit’s guidelines. She hopes next year, families will be able to spend time for a social visit and mingle.
Verbeek gave credit to the volunteers with the McGregor Community Group, who dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the event was a go.
Event sponsors included Verbeek, the McGregor Community Group, the McGregor Columbian Club which donated the hot chocolate and cups, and Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche and his wife, Cathy, who donated the hot dogs. She also credited Dennis Rousseau for serving the hot chocolate, and thanked volunteers Tina McAgy, Lori and Ron Dufour, and Ehva Hoffmann, for their help and support.
The event was first hosted in 2019, but was cancelled last year, due to the pandemic.
“I think it was good and look forward to doing this again,” she said.
Verbeek noted the McGregor Community Group is always looking for volunteers. In addition to hosting the annual Stroll by Santa event, members are also hoping to put together a spring social as well.
McGregor needs more opportunities, like the event held last Friday evening, so its residents can get out and gather, Verbeek said. “I just think we need to put together some more events to invite people, because they certainly come out when we do.”