By Angelica Ingram
News from the North Pole travels fast and word on the street is the big man himself is going to be in Haliburton Village this Friday, Nov. 26.
That’s right, the annual Santa Claus Parade is returning and the evening of festivities kicks off downtown at 6 p.m. in front of the Village Barn with a tree lighting ceremony and live music performed by Gord Kidd. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will follow the usual downtown route through the village. This year Covid-19 protocols will be in affect and parade spectators are being asked to stay six-feet apart and wear a mask. And be sure to welcome parade marshall and community personality Mike Jaycock with a friendly but socially distant wave!

If you have been out and about shopping in the past few days you have probably noticed the return of the popular Haliburton BIA Buy In And Win promotion. A crowd favourite, the contest kicked off on Nov.19 and will be running until Dec. 23.
Simply visit any BIA member and fill out a ballot for your chance to win $1,500 in gift certificates. The more often you shop, the more chances you have to enter. On Dec. 24, the winner will be drawn live on air at noon on the Moose FM. The gift certificates can be redeemed at any BIA member business. For a full list of contest rules, visit the BIA’s Facebook page. Remember, the more you shop the more opportunities you have to win!

Speaking of shopping, another popular event is returning this year after a one-year hiatus and that is Ladies Shopping Night. Taking place on Dec. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., Ladies Shopping Night is a fun and merry way to get everyone checked off your Christmas list while enjoying sales, sipping hot chocolate and getting a chance to win more great prizes! Begin your evening by picking up a passport, which has a list of participating businesses. Simply visit five or more businesses and get your card filled up with signatures. At the end of the night drop your passport into our raffle, for a chace to win a $100 gift card to the BIA business of your choice! On top of staying open late, many of our downtown retailers will be offering great discounts and promotions that night, as well as door prizes. Need to warm up while you shop? Visit our hot chocolate station in front of the Village Barn and enjoy the delightful sounds of carolers strolling through the streets. This event is one you won’t want to miss and the best part is you don’t have to drive far to get everything you need for the holidays. Keep your eye out for more info coming soon, including a list of participating retailers.

In recent days, our town banners have been removed and the beautiful snowflake lights have returned just in time for the Christmas season. A beautiful Christmas tree was erected in front of the Village Barn and once again we invite everyone to help us decorate it by putting up their very own ornament. It can be sentimental, homemade or both! The choice is yours. Simply add it to the tree for all to admire.
Until next month stay safe, stay healthy and stay festive.