Page 22 - NOV 2024 News On 7

EMBRACING CHANGE TOGETHER:
A NEW VISION FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN MADOC

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" ~ Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

As we enter this holiday season, we find ourselves at an exciting crossroads in our beloved Village of Madoc. This year,
organized by the Chamber of Commerce, we’re introducing a fresh and inclusive vision for our Christmas celebrations—a
day-long festival that invites every member of our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Imagine a day filled with joy, laughter, and connection, where every business opens its doors to welcome families and
friends. From the Centre Hastings Park to the shops on Durham, Russell, and St. Lawrence Streets, culminating in a
stunning display from the 4 corners down to Wellington St., we’re creating a vibrant tapestry of festive activities.
We are thrilled to have the enthusiastic participation of the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and the Royal Canadian Legion Hall,
all of which add to the community spirit of the occasion. We are also grateful for the support of the Centre Hastings
Municipal Council, which further enhances the community involvement in this joyful celebration.
The event promises to be a wonderful celebration, featuring many of the beloved traditions you have come to love over
the years, alongside some exciting new displays. The parade features stationary floats beautifully adorned with lights,
creating a festive atmosphere. Attendees will enjoy mouthwatering food from local vendors while listening to live music
and joining in carolling. The festivities include a delightful Santa’s Village and Christmas Vendor Market set up inside the
Kiwanis Centre, providing a magical experience for families and children.
As the day winds down, there will be a beautiful tree-lighting ceremony after dusk to mark the occasion. This is not just
another event; it’s a chance for all of us to explore our town, support our local businesses, and create lasting memories as
a community. While change can sometimes be met with hesitation, it’s essential to remember that this new festival is
designed for everyone. We want each resident and business to feel included, valued, and excited about what we can
accomplish together. This is an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Christmas by investing our time and creativity into
making Madoc shine brighter than ever.
The story of the Little Red Hen illustrates how wonderful things can happen when people work together. It teaches us
that a community flourishes when everyone pitches in. Just like the Little Red Hen’s friends missed out on enjoying the
results of her hard work, we now have an opportunity to join forces and create something special for everyone in Madoc.
The success of our festival will rely on how much we are willing to invest in it, both as individuals and as a united
community.
So, let’s show up for each other this holiday season! Whether it’s by decorating your home or storefront, volunteering
your time to assist our event committee, making a donation to the Chamber, participating in festivities on November
30th, or simply spreading the word about the event, your involvement matters. Every little effort helps build excitement
and brings us one step closer to creating an unforgettable experience for families and visitors alike.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Decorating Period: From November 12th to November 24th, residents and businesses are encouraged to deck out their
homes and storefronts with dazzling lights and festive decorations.
Contest Judging: On November 25th, our judging panel will evaluate the decorated spaces to select the most magical
displays in various categories.
Main Event: On November 30th, activities will begin at Centre Hastings Park around 11 AM (TBD) featuring a Street
Hockey Game and Skills Competition as well a an Artisan show at the Arts Centre. The Enchanted Village will open to
residents at 3:30 PM featuring decorated floats, local vendors, games and activities, live music, and Santa’s Village. After
dusk, the tree lighting ceremony will take place, and the festival will remain open until 9 PM.
We encourage everyone to inquire directly with our local businesses to learn how they plan to participate in this festive
celebration.
Together, we can transform Madoc into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer. Let’s make this festival one that
highlights our love for one another and our commitment to building a close-knit community where everyone feels
included and celebrated.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and embrace this new vision! It takes a village to create something truly special, and with your
creativity and enthusiasm, we can illuminate Madoc and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
Join us in making this celebration a resounding success!

Tracy is a Marketplace Minister, licensed wedding officiant,
life/marriage coach, and funeral celebrant. For more info, visit
xolifecelebrations.com.