Gananoque and area light up for Christmas

Organizers estimate about 3,000 people lined the parade route in Gananoque on Saturday night to get a glimpse of Santa Claus and the many festive floats.

As is customary in the waterfront community, Brian Mabee, the Town Crier and a councillor for Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, served as the parade marshall.

“Thank you to all the parade entries for the 2024 Gananoque Santa Parade with over 3,000 lining the route,” said Mabee afterwards.

He also thanked town staff and the organizing committee “for your commitment to bringing Christmas spirt to the town.”

Santa hung out in the Bandshell in Candy Cane Lane after the parade.

As part of this past weekend, Candy Cane Lane is also officially open.

Located at Town Hall Park, at 30 King Street East, this festively decorated area will now be open seven nights a week, is free to attend, and will be available until Jan. 6.

The holiday festivities didn’t end this past weekend, as the town also announced the continuation of its Festival of Lights.

On Dec. 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Town Hall Park, Santa will be returning, and he’ll be bringing Mrs. Claus with him.

The duo will arrive at 1 p.m. at the Bandshell with treat bags for children. Free hot chocolate will also be made available. There will also be Christmas music, and numerous activities at the Gananoque Public Library.

The first Santa Sunday in the Park will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Gananoque.

The following Sunday, on Dec. 15, again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Santa will have another Sunday in the Park at Town Hall.

This second Santa Sunday in the Park will be hosted by the Gananoque Lions Club.

On Dec. 18, the Gananoque Skating Club will present its annual Holiday Ice show. This will occur at the Lou Jeffries, Gananoque and TLTI Recreation Centre at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free.

Staff have announced that donations for the Gananoque and Area Food Bank will be collected at both Santa Sundays in the Park as well as the Holiday Ice Show.

Meanwhile, at the Rockport Customs Park, locals gathered to ring in the Christmas season on Sunday, lighting up the gate and the tree.

Back in town, Gananoque Secondary School is selling Christmas trees, the school announced, as part of a fundraiser. The purpose is to help student athletes.

Depending on size, cost is about $50 or $65, while supplies last.

The Christmas Trees can be picked up Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on the subject of community support, a big red sleigh is located outside TD Bank in Gananoque.

It’s part of the annual Gananoque Christmas for Kids, as TD Bank is once again the drop-off location for people in need.

Last year, according to organizers, the toy drive served 70 families and over 140 children. Parents are interviewed so each child gets given gifts that suit their interests and their needs. Each package also includes books, pajamas, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

If you are donating in person, drop it off into the big red sleigh at the front door of the branch, or you can call ahead, at 613-382-7057.