A crisp, snowy night was the perfect backdrop to the annual BWG Celebrate Christmas event at the Leisure Centre on Friday evening.
With barely enough time to spare before Christmas, Santa left his elves in charge at the North Pole to join BWG Mayor Rob Keffer, Deputy Mayor James Leduc and Coun. Gary Baynes in the official lighting of the town Christmas tree.
“We are very lucky in the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. We have to appreciate our blessings. We are a prosperous town, but there are some people that are struggling, and we have to think of them as well,” said Mayor Keffer.
“The community spirit that small town Bradford has always had, means we look out for one another and hopefully that will continue,” he said.
The ladies of the York Harmony Chorus, celebrating their 50th anniversary, made their second appearance at the BWG tree lighting event to lead the crowd in a variety of Christmas carols.
As the crowd sang along, Mayor Keffer and Santa took a moment to speak to some of the children, with each one insisting how good they’d been all year and listing the top items from their wish lists.
As the evening progressed and the temperatures dropped, Mayor Keffer invited everyone inside for hot chocolate and cookies, holiday crafts and cupcake decorating, followed by a free leisure skate, with both rinks open.
Inside the lobby, guests could browse the Christmas artisan pop-up fundraiser, while everyone waited for pictures with Santa.
At 14 and 15 years old, sisters Emily & Sarah Dahlgren have started their own non-profit organization to give back to their community.
“We are donating 200 festive hampers to the Helping Hand Food Bank,” said Sarah.
“Each hamper will be filled with at least 17 non-perishable items specially adapted to the person or family receiving it,” she said.
With their fund-raising efforts nearly complete, festive decorations were available for sale with the proceeds going to fill the remaining hampers which will be delivered to the food bank for distribution before the holidays.
In addition to Santa visists and photos, there were holiday crafts and cupcake decorating upstairs in the multi purpose rooms.
The cupcakes were graciously contributed by Sweet B’s Bakery with owner, Bonnie and her elves on hand making sure everyone got a chance to enjoy the treats.
No matter which way you went, the sounds of Christmas carols could be heard echoing through the halls as the York Harmony Chorus brought their show inside.
Some sang along, others just listened as they enjoyed the events, but for everyone who came out to the BWG Leisure Centre, it was a great opportunity to Celebrate Christmas.
