MOUNT FOREST – The main hall at the Mount Forest and District Sportsplex was alive with the Christmas spirit on Dec. 10, when the Mount Forest Lions Club put on a Breakfast with Santa.
About 250 parents and children came to meet with Santa and his elves.
The hall was decorated and Santa was in his workshop to greet the children.
This was the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event.
Previously there was an annual visit with Santa with a gift-giving afternoon and evening event, but COVID-19 put a hold on that, and this was Lion president George Laurencic’s replacement project.
On the nice list – The Mount Forest Lions and their helpers were busy in the kitchen on Dec. 10, cooking up sausages and festive-shaped pancakes for hungry families who came to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. Donations were collected for the local food bank. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Judging by the amount of breakfasts served, 230, and the donations for the Mount Forest Community Pantry – cash totalling $802, and approximately 200 pounds of food – the Lions dubbed the event “a roaring success.”
The sausages came from Harriston packers and the Lions began cooking pancakes, sausages and eggs beginning 6:30am Saturday. Leftovers will be donated to the food bank.
“Overall, everyone, including the Lions who did the cooking, meet-and-greet, clearing up, music, and, of course, Santa himself, had a great time,” state organizers. “There were no complaints, Chuckles the balloon artist did well, and the kids, ranging from seven weeks old (the youngest) to teenage, left wanting more. This was the first time for this event, and hopefully not the last.”
