Every year the Rotary Club of North Muskoka works hard to make sure that Huntsville residents enjoy its annual Santa Claus Parade.
With this year’s COVID-19 restrictions, the parade has been cancelled. However, the club wanted to make sure the community still had a fun event to look forward to for the holidays.
The club is organizing a “Light Up the Night” tour and contest to run from November 20 to 27.
Residents and businesses between Port Sydney and Novar that sign up to decorate their house or storefront will be added to the tour map, which people can use to plan which ones they’d like to drive by to see. Registered homes and businesses will also be marked with signs to indicate that they are part of the tour.
“The more lights the better,” said Stacey VanSchyndel, the club’s service chair. “The tour will be at night so while decorations are great, the more lit up things are, the more visible it will be. Get creative, get your kids involved, and have fun with it!”
The idea was inspired by a similar event that happens every year in Kearney.
“We are very excited to bring this event to our community as it will allow everyone to get involved in a safe and festive way,” said VanSchyndel. “We are hoping it will bring families together as they get creative and decorate their houses and help spread a little joy during these tough times.”
It’s also an opportunity to help those in need.
“Additionally, we are going to ask several central businesses to be drop-off locations for non-perishable food and gift donations that will be donated to The Table Soup Kitchen,” said VanSchyndel.
For the contest, there will be three categories: best house, best business, and best street.
On the final night of the tour, Friday, November 27 at 7 p.m., the club will post a live stream of Santa announcing the winner of the contest. They also plan to have kindergarten classes and children from the community film questions for Santa that he will answer.
The Rotary Club of North Muskoka thanks the Rotary Club of Huntsville Satellite Club, who will be helping to ensure the event runs smoothly.
To register your home or business, email [email protected].
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Such a wonderful idea. It is a great thing to look forward to.
Terrific idea. Looking forward to seeing some lights. Also love the idea of drop-off locations for food donations. Thanks for bringing some more joy to the community!
Fabulous idea. I hope that this Christmas light show will attract lots of participation.. It’s safe, free and will help to keep up our holiday spirits… Bring it on!
I think this is a great idea and will bring much joy to those who are decorating their homes and those driving around observing the homes. Really like the idea of Santa Claus announcing the winners and then taking prerecorded questions. Hats of to all involved. ?