Picton – The municipality, community groups, and volunteers are coming together to make the holiday season in Prince Edward County a little brighter this year.
“I understand that 2020 has been stressful and trying for many in our community. This year, more than ever before, I look forward to the holiday season lifting our collective spirits,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “Thanks to everyone who has stepped up to make the holidays a truly special experience in Prince Edward County.”
Towns and villages across the municipality will come alive with the holiday spirit in the coming weeks. Downtown Picton will be transformed thanks to the efforts of County staff, the Picton BIA, the Picton Recreation Committee, and several volunteers. A real Christmas tree will be installed at the Cenotaph. Both the area near the Cenotaph and the Shire Hall parkette will dazzle with lighting designs by volunteer Barbro Lucas.
The Picton BIA has purchased new lighting materials and has restrung many of the lit snowflakes to make Main Street brighter than ever this year. The Picton Recreation Committee is also helping purchase holiday lighting with funds that would have been used for the Santa Claus parade, which is not taking place this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Holiday Market is slated for December 12 from 10 am – 2 pm. Also on that day, a Santa Claus parade “in reverse” will take place at Loch Sloy. People can drive past and view a variety of floats.
Bloomfield’s winter celebration “Making Spirits Bright” will take place November 27 through December 6 within the village. Events organized by Bloomfield and Area Business Association include the Festival of Lights with residents lighting up their homes and businesses for the holiday season, a Miniature Snow Village Exhibition in the Bloomfield United Church Community Hall, and an outdoor winter market held November 28-29 and December 5-6 in the heart of the village.
The Holly Jolly Market will bring cheer to Wellington on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am – 4 pm. The Wellington and District Business Association is organizing “Wellington Sparkles – Light Up the Village” in Wellington Park on Saturday, December 5 at dusk.
More information about other in-person and online markets as well as local makers is posted on the County’s visitor blog.
“I encourage everyone to experience our festive downtowns and shop local this year. By ‘keeping it in the County,’ you are supporting the small businesses that create jobs and give back to our community,” Mayor Ferguson says. “Local stores and vendors are doing a great job offering a safe and enjoyable shopping experience; let’s show them some love this year.”
The holiday card sent out by the Mayor’s Office will showcase the work of a young Prince Edward County artist. Children 14 years of age or younger are invited to submit their holiday-themed artwork for consideration. The artist whose piece is selected by a panel of County staff will receive a gift certificate that can be used at a Downtown Picton business. Artists can send a digital file of their work to Karen Frigault, Executive Assistant to Mayor Ferguson, via email at kfrigault@pecounty.on.ca. The submission deadline is Tuesday, December 1.
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For media inquiries, please contact Mark Kerr at 613.476.2148 ext. 1009 or by email at mkerr@pecounty.on.ca