Christmas Trees Lighting on the Canal

Christmas Trees Lighting

It was our first Tree Lighting celebration at the Shubenacadie Canal Commission so we decided to do a little extra... we illuminated 3 natural evergreens and hope that they stand in place for many future Trees Lighting ceremonies.

The main mover behind the idea for the evening was Rodney Habib from PLANET PAWS in Montebello. He has noticed a significant increase in the number of dogs and dog walkers in Shubie Park and felt that they should be offered a little seasonal lift. His plan was to light up the three trees which grace the north face of the Fairbanks Centre in the park and invite the local residents and particularly the dog owners to attend a celebration at dusk.

They came by the hundreds! Dogs, cats and kids... the park was never so full of holiday cheer.

The SPCA benefitted from donations offered at their booth, FEED NS was able to collect bags and bags of canned goods and everybody received free hot chocolate from TIM HORTON's. 

There was a carol presentation by the choirs from two local schools, Ian K Forthyse and Michael Wallace, and even local representatives Coun. Darren Fisher and Andrew Younger, MLA led the crowd in a few carols.

A local troop of Venture Scouts prepared and supervised two "bonne fires" which glowed through the evening and provided toasted marshmellows for all.

Such a great evening was had by all that the organizers are already planning a Trees Lighting for 2012.