A new Christmas event is coming to town on weekends between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.
“Christmas on the Farm” is being presented in partnership with the Windsor Parade Corporation and Sarah Parks Horsemanship. It is being funded through the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Maggie Durocher, executive director with the Windsor Parade Corporation, said the goal is to create a “really immersive, interesting experience” out to the county. The first Christmas in the County event was presented last year at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village in Essex.
“We were super thrilled to be funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Support to be able to continue with this project,” said Durocher. “What we’re looking to do is create genuine and unique county-type experiences for people who wouldn’t normally have them.”
Funding from the province amounted to $20,000.
Durocher said Sarah Parks Horsemanship have been great partners of the Windsor Parade Corporation for many years and they wanted to team for this event. Sarah Parks Horsemanship offers a “welcoming and friendly environment” and Parks embraced the idea when it was presented.
A walk-through allowed officials and volunteers to easily envision where attractions will be.
Families will enjoy decorative lighting, characters, a Christmas vendor market, an Elf school, visits with Santa Claus, stories with Mrs. Claus, outdoor fires for smores and barbecuing hot dogs, games, pony rides, entertainment and more.
“Where else can you pull up a hay bale and listen to stories from Mrs. Claus?” Durocher asked.
Thanks to sponsors such as Racicot Chrysler and Silverline Communications, they will offer shuttle service from Malden Centre Park to Sarah Parks Horsemanship as parking will not be allowed for the public at the County Road 20 farm due to safety concerns.
Durocher called the event “laid back” and a way to step back from how busy life can get.
Parks said she has worked with the Windsor Parade Corporation in the past “and you will not find a more professional, well put together team of volunteers putting on incredible events.” She said she likes the ideas of families being able to come together and enjoy the event.
“I know this place will be transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland as they have with other events in the past,” said Parks.
Parks added it is a timely event for horses as well, pointing out while they see people at events in the spring, summer and fall, there are not the same opportunities in winter.
Hours for “Christmas on the Farm” are Fridays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 4-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. The event will not be held evenings when the parade corporation presents Santa Claus Parades.
Dates for the event are Nov. 15, Nov. 16, Nov. 17, Nov. 22, Nov. 24, Nov. 29, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 13 and Dec. 15 at Sarah Parks Horsemanship.
The Windsor Parade Corporation also directly presents three Santa Claus Parades in the area, including the Amherstburg Santa Cluas Parade coming Nov. 23.
“We have an amazing lineup in Amherstburg,” said Durocher.
There will be a “Fan Zone” from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in front of Rob & Tina’s No Frills and the parade itself starts at 6 p.m.
“That’s a nice place for early seating and getting ready for the parade,” Durocher said of the “Fan Zone.”
Parades are being presented with a “Christmas Pajama Party theme,” said Durocher.
The 57th annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade, presented by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Area, is Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. The Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade is Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.windsorparade.org.
By RTT Staff
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