KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Alexandria’s weekend celebration of tree lighting and Santa Claus parade wowed attendees.
The massive evergreen tree at Mill Square, adorned in coloured lights, is an impressive sight to behold. According to organizers John Hope, Dan Giroux and Michel Currier, originally, each year a tree was cut down, donated and positioned close to Main Street for all to enjoy. However, a few years ago, the tree blew down and the road had to be closed until everything could be cleared. So organizers knew they needed a new plan.
Now, the over 20-foot, permanent tree in Mill Square is festooned in strands of holiday lights thanks to the crew at North Glengarry Township. The evergreen tree was dedicated in 2024 to Jean-Guy Levert, a longtime municipal employee and organizing member for the annual tree lighting event.
Not to be outdone, Alexandria’s Santa Claus Parade was another huge success. Organized by the Alexandria and District Lions Club, the event featured 30 floats and groups. Entries included the Grinch, along with a big display by Alexandria’s OPP detachment and the North Glengarry Fire Services. And of course, Sparky the Fire Dog was on duty, helping to collect toys and non-perishable food items for Saint Vincent de Paul.
Despite the cold and snowy weather, crowds lined the streets to watch all the floats. Proud families stood shivering just for the chance to see their child or grandchild on a float or perhaps as one of the cadets bearing a flag. Santa’s arrival in his sleigh was, of course, the highlight of the parade, but a huge thank you goes out to all the participants for their time and effort to bring smiles to faces of onlookers, young and old, all with the spirit of Christmas in their hearts.
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