Mississippi Mills plans three days of holiday events Dec. 5 to 7
Mississippi Mills is preparing for a full weekend of holiday celebrations from Dec. 5 to 7, with concerts, parades and community events planned across Almonte and Pakenham.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Light Up the Night
The weekend begins with the annual Light Up the Night concert on Mill Street in Almonte. The outdoor show draws thousands each year and features Christmas music, illuminated displays and a visit from Santa.
Ottawa Valley performer Wayne Rostad returns as emcee. This year’s entertainers include Rachelle Behrens, Nelson Colt and Braiden Wyman, along with an appearance from the Snow Queen and her Twinkle Fairies. Fireworks will follow the concert.
Mill Street will be closed to traffic. Food vendors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. More information on entertainment, vendors and parking is available on the municipal website.
Saturday, Dec. 6 – Pakenham Santa Claus Parade
Pakenham hosts its annual Santa Claus Parade at 1 p.m. The route will run twice through village streets, starting and ending at the Stewart Community Centre.
The Pakenham & District Civitan Club will collect food and cash donations for the Lanark County Food Bank during the parade. After the procession, the club will offer free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Free public skating will run until 4 p.m., courtesy of the municipality.
Sunday, Dec. 7 – Almonte Christmas Parade
The weekend wraps up with the Almonte Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. The procession begins at the Rexall parking lot and travels along Ottawa Street, Main Street and Mill Street before ending at the John Levi Community Centre.
Almonte Scouts will collect donated food and cash along the route for the Almonte Lions Club and Almonte Civitan Club Christmas Food Hampers.
After the parade, the Almonte Lions Club will serve free hot dogs and hot chocolate in the community centre’s upper hall. Free public skating will also be offered.
Float participants are reminded that Christmas music is encouraged, but throwing candy from floats is not allowed.
More information is available on the Mississippi Mills website, or through the municipality’s Recreation and Culture Department.
Taken from a media release from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills