Plans are set for a tree lighting ceremony to be held directly following the Drayton Santa Claus parade on Dec. 6.
The lighting will take place at about 8:15pm at the fire hall.
“We are hoping to have everyone gather around the tree and light it,” said organizer Jennifer Zettel.
“It will stay lit threw the holiday season and in to a wonderful new year.”
The event will include Christmas carols and crafts for the children while they are waiting to see Santa, as well as hot drinks and snacks. A mini market for local Christmas shopping will also be part of the evening.
A black and white photo, enlarged and framed, of the old Drayton tree lighting that used to take place in the main intersection will be on display.
The whole community is involved in the event, including the Township of Mapleton, the local fire department , Drayton Foodmarket, the Chop House, the Black Sheep Pub and Grill, the Wellington Cafe, Kinsmen and Kinette clubs of Drayton, Sara Holzworth from Horizon photography, and everyone planning to set up tables at the market.
The Moorefield Santa Claus parade will be held on Dec. 7, beginning at 1pm.
The Alma parade, traditionally the last in the region, will begin at 2pm on Dec. 22.
Leading up to the big events, area residents and groups continue their efforts to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy some Christmas cheer.
The Drayton and Community Food Bank is now accepting donations for Christmas.
Donations can be dropped off at the Drayton Food Market, Drayton Reformed Church, RBC branches in Drayton and Moorefield
or call the Drayton Food Bank.
Anyone in need of a Christmas Food Hamper, or anyone who knows someone in need is urged to call the Drayton Food Bank at 519-504-2346. Call before Dec. 13 to sign up for a hamper to be picked up on Dec. 21
Also this year, the newly-formed Drayton Kinette Club is conducting a toy drive.
New, unwrapped toys may be brought to the Drayton or Moorefield Christmas parades or dropped off at Dobben’s Hardware, Marspan Home Hardware or Fear’s Bibs ‘n’ Cribs before Dec. 18. Toys will be distributed to children in the area.
