Anten Mills
By Dennis Gannon, Nov. 17, 2024
“Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful!” What! Wait! Where? Not that we are complaining but our weather is certainly anything but frightful, in fact it’s downright reasonable. The opening line is from that old familiar Christmas song, “Let it Snow”, and anytime now it might just snow. Looking at the long range weather forecast it may be in early December before we get any accumulation of the white stuff but that’s definitely not stopping families from starting to decorate for the holiday season. Nightly walks throughout the neighborhood are seeing more Christmas lights shining and the Christmas trees in the windows. It is certainly an anticipated time of the year.
All those preparations also mean that it’s a magical time in the community as we prepare for the annual Anten Mills Christmas in the Village. In 2015 the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association held the very first Christmas Tree Lighting. It started out small with about 500 lights on the tree and some music and hot chocolate. It has grown to be the second best way to start the full swing of Christmas activities in the community. This year the CRA will kick it off with the Tree Lighting on Saturday December 7 at 5PM. Thanks to Snow Valley Ski Resort, they will have their SnoTube slide entertaining the kids starting at 5PM. Around 6:30, with the grateful assistance of the Springwater Fire Department, Santa Claus will arrive. This will be a perfect opportunity to get those last minute photos with the jolly elf along with a firefighter. Firefighters will also be showing off their equipment for those interested. Then as the clock strikes 7, the countdown to the lighting of the tree and the ground displays will start. Once the tree is lit up in its beauty, the sky will light up with fireworks. Throughout the evening hot dogs, hot refreshments and treats will be available. Thanks to the generosity of several sponsors and the CRA there is no monetary cost to join in the fun but everyone coming is asked to bring a generous donation for the Elmvale and District Food Bank.
On Sunday, December 8 the fun continues as the 27th annual Anten Mills Santa Claus parade will wind its way through the streets. Starting at 1PM the parade will begin at the intersection of Laddies Lane and Pinery and travel the route ending this year along the new section of Ghibb Street. The traffic along Horseshoe has increased greatly over the years and the number of parade participants has grown and after careful consideration it was determined that ending along Ghibb would be safer for all. Hot chocolate and treats will be available after the parade and of course the ever popular awards will take place. The parade is shaping up well with a number of confirmed entries already and there is always room for more. As well this year, firefighters will be accepting food bank donations along the parade route. If you would like to enter the parade or need more information you can send an email to antenmillschristmas@gmail.com or check the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page for updates.
In the news of late it has been reported that the food banks are dealing with greater than normal demands and lower than usual stock. With the CPKC Christmas Train not stopping this year in Midhurst, the Elmvale and District Food Bank really needs everyone’s help. Our Anten Mills community is very fortunate that we can assist. Several residents have stepped up and with the CRA are going to do what they can to ensure the shelves are replenished. Starting this weekend and every weekend until December 15, there will be 3 locations where you can drop off your donations in food bank bins. The locations are 7 Ghibb, 8 Luella and 2 Alexander. The Christmas in the Village events are also opportunities where you can give and you are asked to be generous with your donations.
The CRA general meeting was held last week and discussed the events held to date this past year. With the support of the volunteers who make these activities successful it was confirmed that the Easter Eggstravaganza, the Autumn Craft Show, the Witches Walk and Halloween Party as well as the Christmas in the Village will all occur again next year. More details will be announced as the dates get closer. A new one time event is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 and that will be Celebrating 150 Years of Anten Mills. A working group has been busy discussing the way to make the day special and announcements will be made in the future. Along with the day, articles will be published here in this publication throughout the year that everyone should find interesting. Stay tuned for updates.
Should you be looking for a live Christmas tree then consider supporting the South Springwater Fire Fighters Association annual tree sale. For over 30 years the firefighters have made available top quality trees. The proceeds from the sale go to support the charities that these volunteers support. The sale begins on Saturday, November 30 at 1027 Bayfield St.N. Midhurst, the home of the Ice Cream Hut and Linda’s. Weekend sales are from 9AM to 6PM and weeknights from 5 to 8PM. Supplies will be limited this year and you are encouraged to pick yours up early.
That’s it for this week. Plan on joining in the fun for Christmas in the Village and as always more entries are welcome for the parade. Just send an email and details will be made available. THANKS for READING, STAY SAFE and BE WELL!